Ok. Even if you don't read the rest of this post about healthy laughter, you have to watch this adorable and hysterical video. It had me, and his dad, laughing out loud within 30 seconds. Trust me, you'll feel better.
And why is that exactly? Well, laughter really is good for you. And by the way, April is National Humor Month. So let's take a look at this simple ingredient of healthy living. No cost. No drugs. No kidding. Well, maybe a little kidding wouldn't hurt.
The PBS show called "This Emotional Life" aired a segment not too long ago called "Benefits of Humor". Although some scientists are leery of drawing scientific conclusions from studies that link laughter to health benefits, The PBS segment was pretty bold, and offered convincing evidence about the benefits. Here are some of their findings.
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Physical benefits of mirth and laughter:
- Increased relaxation response
- Reduced pain
- Reduced stress
Cognitive benefits of humor and mirth:
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- Increased creativity
- Improved problem-solving ability
- Increased ability to cope with stress
Emotional benefits of humor and mirth:
- Elevated mood and feelings of well-being
- Reduced depression, anxiety, and tension
- Increased hope, optimism, energy, and vigor
Social benefits of humor and mirth:
- Bonding with friends and family
- Reinforcement of group identity and cohesiveness
- Increased friendliness and altruism
- Happier marriages and close relationships
University of California San Diego's Osher Center for Integrative Medicine offers Laughter Infusion classes for cancer patients. Their website says, "Research has shown that laughter can enhance our immune system, assist with pain management, and boost our mood. Laughter really is the best medicine!"
And finally, just in case you thought laughter therapy was a new idea, or maybe wondered, like me, where laughter originates, here's what Abraham's wife, Sarah, said in The Bible, after giving birth to Isaac during Abraham's 100th year.
"God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me." Genesis 21:6
So find a reason to laugh today. It's contagious; and it's good for you.
