One of the more essential things in life is the ability to laugh. Do you remember the last time you laughed so hard it brought tears to your eyes? You simply couldn't stop the laughter, no matter how hard you tried. With everything going on in today's environment; COVID, politics, finances, and more, laughter has become a rare commodity. Maybe it's time for some healing medicine.
Way before Covid, I was out dancing with friends, and even though I like to think of myself to be a pretty decent dancer, there are a few times I go into what I call 'goofy' mode; and I'm pretty sure it's because I love to laugh and I enjoy watching others laugh also. So here we are, already having a pretty decent time, when all of a sudden, a country song throws me into my so-called 'goofy' mode.
At this point, I must be frank. Everyone on the dance floor looked pretty silly anyway, trying to kick and bop to this song, thereby enticing yours-truly to do his famous Irish jig (think Riverdance). Standing straight and tall, hands and arms stiff to my side, mocking the quick tap dance moves with my flip-flops, a kick to the front, and a kick in the back.
It lasted all but a minute, which was enough to start a chain reaction amongst those who know me and saw me. Everyone started laughing uncontrollably. And when I say uncontrollably, I mean we all had tears coming to our eyes, and it took a while just to calm down. I was laughing with embarrassment, and they were laughing at my famous Irish jig or, they were laughing because they were embarrassed for me. Whatever the case, it felt terrific to bring so much health into the lives of my friends.
Laughter has been called a 'social glue' because it bonds us to the people we laugh with. Someone once said, "If it feels good to laugh, then laugh to feel good."
You've heard the famous saying that 'laughter is a healing medicine'? Did you know that modern medicine is discovering more and more about the therapeutic dimensions of laughter and is now encouraging us to add it to our wellness program? Just imagine that you are down to your last nerve, your muscles are cooked, your hair is clenched, you have lockjaw, you don't feel much like breathing, your heart beats only when it can find the time, and your head is auditioning for a part in High Anxiety!
You make an appointment with your doctor, and you tell him that life's got it in for you; the universe quite merely doesn't want to involve you in its plans. So your doctor reaches for the pill pad, writes something, rips the sheet from the pad, and hands you a prescription; not for tranquilizers or anti-depressants, but for ... laughter!
Do you remember the last time you really laughed? Laughed so hard the milk you were drinking came out your nose? Do you remember? How long ago was it? Maybe you have those regular headaches because of the lack of laughter in your life. Is it possible your heart beats irregular because of the laughter left years ago?
Doctors are now saying that laughter can do the following things for you:
Alleviate depression
Lower blood pressure
Promote relaxation
Reduce stress
Increase the oxygen level in the blood, giving more energy;
Increase the endorphin activity in the body resulting in the sense of well being;
It helps keep things in perspective.
It banishes boredom
It makes one more socially attractive - people enjoy being with those who laugh easily and often
Immeasurably increases the enjoyment of life.
Laughter has been called a 'social glue' because it bonds us to the people we laugh with. Someone once said, "If it feels good to laugh, then laugh to feel good."
Do you need to laugh? If you said, "Yes," then it's time to find a friend who has a 'goofy' mode. After you find that friend, you need to enjoy their company often.
The best laughter is found amongst good friends. Go laugh! Take pleasure in life! Enjoy health!
Ryan may be the owner and operator of PureEdge Media, but he loves to write. Specifically the short inspirational, self-help, and motivational topics. The hope and prayer is that you get something good out of this simple read and it takes you through your day, your week, your year. Enjoy.
