Have you Laughed Today?

“I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it is the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It’s probably the most important thing in a person. “~ Audrey Hepburn

I love to laugh. Do you? I think it is important to have laughter in our lives. Laughter is a real and active part of my life. A quality deep inside I rely on to feel good and one I especially love to share with others as often as possible. I have been told I have a great sense of humor and my inner circle of family and friends thrive on the laughter between us.

As I think about how much laughter means to me, I realize laughing makes me feel good instantly. The chaos is interrupted, the stress put aside and what is left is pure relief and I feel happy. I feel happy because I laughed. Whatever problems may be looming, in a moment of laughter the problem subsides. That’s powerful. That’s healing. That’s serious medicine.

There are very practical and real benefits of laughter:

• Laughter stimulates circulation
• Laughter increases your heart rate and kicks your immune system into gear
• Laughter stabilizes blood pressure
• Laughter facilitates digestion
• Laughter increases the oxygen supply to muscles
• Laughter decreases muscle tension
• Laughter promotes an overall sense of well-being

Great ways to improve your health, wouldn’t you agree? But let’s face it, there are circumstances in life such as serious illness, the loss of someone dear to us, distressing change and heartache over a broken relationship, bitter disappointments that cut deeply and steal our capacity to feel joy.

There is no assurance any one idea, tool or suggestion will help. No one can guarantee an instant remedy and I don’t think there is any one therapy out there. There are only lots of ways to ease pain if given a try.

Laughter is one way and there are several things to learn about humor and pain. It may take a huge amount of time to find laughter after a loss but when laughter appears it may only be an inner chuckle that is there and not the full-blown, fall-down-hold-your belly kind of laughter we may be used to. Whatever kind shows up, it is there to help you. It is there to show you a momentary respite from your tears and pain. It is there to remind you, life goes on and there is hope.

Laughter is a powerful tool to have in your arsenal. It is one of the best weapons we have for fighting back and staying sane. How often have you wondered at times, “can it get any worse?” During these times laughter can be one of our best defenses.

• Search inside as much as you can to find laughter. Share a funny or embarrassing moment and make a new friend
• Seek out others who have a sense of humor and surround yourself with those who can give you a great pep talk when you think there’s nothing left to laugh about
• Spend time with children. Their innocence and light heartedness can shine a bright light on a world that seems harsh and unforgiving. A child’s laughter is always filled with joy and love of life.
• Shake things up – Sometimes doing one thing differently can make all the difference in the world.

Have you laughed today? I hope so.  If you are ever feeling as though you are drowning in misery, look around, remind yourself of the humor in things and grab that rope. Pull yourself up. Laugh, be giddy and feel better. Your problems will be waiting no matter what you do. A few moments of laughter will have improved your ability to handle the tough stuff and maybe find a solution. Laugh as much as you can!