Is Laughter REALLY the Best Medicine??!?

Have you ever gone to the movies or saw a movie by yourself, and thought this movie is hilarious! You then think, “man it would’ve been better if so and so were here to watch it with me.” Have you ever watched a movie in the theaters, by yourself, but there are other people in the theater, and even though you don’t know each other, you feel a connection with them, simply because you are laughing at the same scenes? I have done both, and it feels amazing, weird, but amazing. lol.

Research published in the Journal of Non-Verbal Behaviour* found that laughter isn’t just ‘best medicine.’ It also acts like an ultra-sticky social glue, which subconsciously binds us to people and businesses who share our worldview.

• Proverbs 17:22 (NIV): "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

• Proverbs 15:13 (NIV): "A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit."

• Proverbs 18:24 (King James Version)

  ²⁴  A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

• Increased Endorphins:

  • Laughter can release endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, which promote a sense of well-being and can temporarily relieve pain. GoodRx

• Decreased Stress:

  • Laughing can lower the levels of stress hormones in the body, which helps reduce overall stress and anxiety. UnityPoint Health

• Improved Heart Health:

  • Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect against heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems. Cleveland Clinic

• Boosted Immune System:

  • Positive thoughts from laughter release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more serious illnesses. Verywell Mind

• Pain Relief:

  • Laughter can increase pain tolerance and alleviate discomfort through the release of endorphins. WebMD

• Muscle Relaxation:

  • Laughter causes the muscles to relax, reducing physical tension and stress, which can leave your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after laughing. Marshfield Clinic

• Improved Mental Health:

  • Laughter can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, and improve overall mental health by promoting a positive mood and outlook. NCBI

• Enhanced Social Connections:

  • Laughter can strengthen relationships by fostering emotional connections, improving communication, and increasing happiness in social settings. Select Health

• Increased Pain Tolerance:

  • Laughter has been shown to increase the threshold for pain through the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers. News-Medical

Preliminary studies even show that parents who use humor with their children tend to raise happy, connected children.

Here are some ways to get laughter and get natural healing:

Increasing laughter in your life can significantly improve your mental and physical well-being. Here are some effective strategies to incorporate more laughter into your daily routine:

1. Watch Comedies:

- Watch funny movies, TV shows, or stand-up comedy specials. Choose content that you find genuinely amusing.

2. Read Humorous Books:

- Pick up books or comics that are known for their humor. Authors like P.G. Wodehouse or comic strips like Calvin and Hobbes can be great sources.

3. Spend Time with Funny People:

- Surround yourself with friends or family members who have a good sense of humor. Their laughter and positive attitude can be contagious.

4. Attend Comedy Events:

- Go to live comedy shows, improv performances, or comedy clubs. Being in an environment filled with laughter can be very uplifting.

6. Follow Humor on Social Media:

- Subscribe to humorous pages, follow comedians, or join groups dedicated to sharing funny content.

7. Practice Self-Amusement:

- Learn to laugh at yourself. Embrace your quirks and find humor in everyday situations.

8. Play with Pets:

- Pets, especially dogs and cats, can be a great source of joy and laughter. Their playful antics can easily lift your spirits.

9. Engage in Playful Activities:

- Participate in activities that bring out your inner child, like playing games, participating in sports, or engaging in creative hobbies.

10. Share Jokes and Funny Stories:

- Make it a habit to share jokes, funny stories, or humorous anecdotes with friends, family, or colleagues.

11. Attend Social Gatherings:

- Join social events or gatherings where humor and laughter are encouraged, such as game nights or themed parties.

12. Use Laughter Apps:

- There are apps specifically designed to bring more laughter into your life through jokes, funny videos, and other humorous content.

13. Engage in Regular Exercise:

- Physical activities, especially those done in groups like dancing or team sports, can naturally lead to laughter and joy.

14. Stay Positive:

- Maintain a positive outlook on life. Focus on the good, and try to find humor even in challenging situations.

15. Practice Gratitude:

- Being grateful can improve your mood and make you more receptive to joy and laughter. Keep a gratitude journal and reflect on the positives in your life.