Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
As a caregivers for our son with special needs for 28 years, our family found that laughter truly was good medicine. There were many tense and scary times while Johnny was in the hospital or just sick at home that a good laugh helped us get through the day.
I have known far too many people that have a hard time finding anything positive in most situations. They are the people that always seem to have the “yeabuts,” you may find a silver lining in a difficult situation and their first reaction is, “yea, but…” Having a positive outlook on life is of great benefit to yourself and those around you. Finding humor in a bad situation can relieve stress and actually have positive health benefits!
Studies have shown that laughter can:
- Reduce stress hormones
- Release endorphins that will reduce anger, tension and pain
- Boost the immune system
- It is a natural exercise (My personal favorite)
- Helps control high blood pressure
- Stimulates an increase in blood flow and oxygenation in the body
These are just a few of the medical benefits that laughter can give us. I guess the Word of God has it right again!! A merry heart is like a medicine. So laugh long and hard. Look at life with a positive eye. Find some humor in your stressful situations. The situation may not change, but we can relieve some of the stress.
I know that there are times when laughter is totally inappropriate, and we need to use discretion. But, when the time is right, let it rip!! Have a belly laugh, let the tears of laughter flow. It’s for your own good!!