Laughter

Laughter is definitely the best medicine, but especially when things are tough. And the fact that we can laugh, is a blessing. Experts tell us that laughter increases immune function, relieves stress and even possibly offers protection from heart disease.

 A laugh, even a forced one, can be beneficial. Case in point is laughter-yoga where laughter is forced to create real laughter. The result is that those who practice it experience the positive attributes of traditional natural laughter leading to relaxation, humor and a sense of well-being.

A good belly laugh dissipates worries, pressures and regrets, according to laughologist Albert Nerenberg. He says that when we are laughing we are living in the moment, and thus forget about stress, bills, taxes and so on. By going through the motions of happiness when forcing ourselves to smile and laugh we can actually feel these emotions for real. Nerenberg says that while there might be a natural taboo against acted emotions, which are perceived as dishonest, we should force ourselves to be happy and feel good. And nobody can deny that feeling good is a powerful antidepressant. And for that reason, laughter therapy is widespread now to counteract the anger often resulting in depression.

We all know that laughter and smiling are infectious. Perhaps the reason is that we’ve been built to get along and enjoy each other’s company and have fun. Of course, laughter and smiling will not cure cancer, but it will make someone else feel good, and that smile might come back to us at a critical time when we most need it.

We don’t stop laughing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop laughing. All together now, let’s laugh.