“The most wasted of all days is one without laughter”... Charlie Chaplin
That’s my favorite quote by Charlie Chaplin and it’s so true, especially today, International Moment of Laughter Day. Studies have shown laughter reduces stress and lowers blood sugar levels. I also found an interesting tidbit, that people who laugh just before going to bed are more likely to sleep better. Laughter is also a way to spread joy and cheer to others.
Several studies have found that the old saying, “laughter is the best medicine,” has some merit. Some studies have found that having a good ole belly laugh can also:
Strengthen your immune system
Reduce heart disease
Serve as a natural painkiller
Improve breathing
Make you look younger (I like this one!)
From a social perspective, laughter:
Diffuses anger and conflict
Improve relationships
Improve your productivity
Laughter should be a part of everyone’s life. With our world in chaos, we should take some time to seek out things that make us smile or laugh more often like watching an old comedy, or funny movie or even listen to an uplifting, funny song. Laughter is uplifting. It brings us together, and reminds us not to take life too seriously. I have always believed that goodness can come out of tragedy. Laughter is part of that goodness. It lets us know that life is precious and beautiful and can get us through hard times.
I also like John Cleese’s perspective of laughter. He says “Laughter connects you with people. It’s almost impossible to maintain any kind of distance or any sense of social hierarchy when you’re just howling with laughter. Laughter is a force for democracy.”
Since we have established that laughter is good for a lot of things that ail us, make a concerted effort to laugh and spread some laughter and cheer today ( and every day if you can). Below are some ways to get you laughing your head off and/or helping to improve the life of others through laughter:
Take a moment to relax and watch a funny movie or comedy
Tell someone a funny joke or story
Share inspirational sayings or quotes
Post or share a funny picture, quote, cartoon or story on Social Media
Go to a comedy show in town
Look at an old photo album and laugh at some snapshots of funny family/friends
Send someone a funny, cute, or happy card or email
Reminisce with family friends about some funny times you had in the past
In our often busy and stressful world, I encourage you to slow down, “Choose kindness and laugh often.”
Sources
https://www.envolvehealth.com/news/five-health-benefits-of-smiling-and-laughing.html
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm
