Remember that scene from Mary Poppins where they float to the ceiling and sing the song. “I love to laugh”??
Laughter is good for our mental and emotional well-being. It truly is medicine for our mood. We are positive and smiling when we laugh, and it just feels good. When we laugh, we take in more oxygen, increase our blood flow, and use the muscles in our face and body. This means we are burning calories. Laughter is a mild workout. When we laugh, we are in good company and it’s nice to enjoy those moments and memories together. Many of our favorite memories are from time when we laugh so much our eyes start to water and or we might even cough. You feel your abs. Laughter is stress reducing. Less stress equates to less demands on the immune system. Endorphins are released and we feel good.
Laughter balances the mind. It is an antidote to stress, pain, and negativity. We used to laugh all the time when we were kids. We would get a case of the giggles and not be able to stop laughing. In adulthood, we tend to take life a lot more serious. We should be frequently laughing to let go of our problems, supporting our mental and physical health, and enhance our relationships. Laughing is free and fun. Laughter enhances the sense of teamwork and promotes bonding. Laughter sets aside distresses in your life. It really shifts your perspective to feel less angry or anxious or even tired. The increase of blood flow equates to an increase of energy. We like a good sitcom that makes us laugh and it’s why comedians become so popular. When you share a laugh with someone you connect. It’s a moment without that cell phone that you interact and engage with someone. Exchanging jokes with someone is time well spent. Laughter is playful communication that strengthens relationships.
Find the natural laughter in everything. Smiling is contagious. Laughter isn’t something we do it private, rather it is shared. In a world that might disagree on politics, religion, or other elements, laughter sets aside those discrepancies. You don’t have to be a lighthearted or playful person to enjoy laughter. Sometimes just hearing others laugh can make us laugh. We like to share stories about something that made us laugh. So laugh more this year. Life feels a lot better with a smile.