Go Ahead and Laugh!
The following is a repost of part of a blog that I wrote last Fall. I was so moved by the research on laughter and even on smiling that I wanted to remind myself. And I thought maybe, you too, needed the reminder. Laughter has a powerful effect on our bodies. And even the mere act of smiling can change our brains!
Read on…
Recently I read something fascinating about the science of laughter:
Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps you release anger and forgive sooner.
Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. -helpguide.org
Even a smile can have a powerful effect on our brains. I recently read about a study where two groups were asked to complete certain tasks. One group was told to smile while they worked, whether they felt like smiling or not. The smiling group completed the tasks faster and better.
“Smiling activates tiny molecules in your brain that are designed to fend off stress. These molecules, called neuropeptides, facilitate communication between neurons in your brain. Also, when you smile, your brain releases dopamine, endorphins and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are associated with lowering your anxiety and increasing feelings of happiness. In fact, serotonin is often the chemical that anti-depressant medications attempt to regulate. This natural, feel-good chemical cocktail that your brain serves up helps you feel happier and more relaxed, and it can even lower your heart rate and blood pressure."
https://www.verywellmind.com/mark-stibich-4781224
Even a fake smile can change the way you think and feel and eventually trigger all those positive neurotransmitters mentioned above.
God gave us the gift of smiling and laughter. He is the One that designed our bodies and our brains to respond the way they do. God’s Word declares that “A cheerful heart is good medicine,” (Proverbs 17:22)
Laughing shouldn’t be a Pollyanna response to life. Neither should it be a stick-your-head-in-the-sand response. It should be a response of delightful freedom that comes when we see things in their proper perspective. God is still on the throne. He rules and we are His children if we’ve said yes to His provision through Jesus. (For more about that, see my blog from October 5th.) We live and operate in this world, under this political system but ultimately we are part of the Kingdom of God. And that Kingdom is the one that will reign in the end and for eternity.
So exercise this healing gift and share it with others. It can bring healing to our minds. It can bring healing to our bodies. And it can bring healing to our relationships.
