Recently I was reminded that laughter really is the best medicine. Not only does it provide short term benefits such as extra oxygen, lowering stress and releasing feel good hormones in the brain, it provides long term benefits as well. Immunity support, pain relief and improved mood are just a few of the long term benefits.

A few weeks ago, a group of women met for a few hours at a local venue. As we chatted and shared our lives, we also laughed. At one point, the inevitable happened. I had just taken a drink of water and one of the women said something that hit a funny bone in me. But I had my mouth full of water. My choices were 1) choke on the water or 2) spit it out. I opted to spit it out. And then I laughed until I cried. I went home a new woman! Relaxed with plenty of feel good hormones flooding my brain.

If you are concerned your life is short on laughter there are ways to remedy it. Reading comics or stories that tickle your funny bone can be placed where you will see them often. Find movies, books or comedians that make you laugh. Spend more time with people who make you laugh. Learn to laugh at yourself.

Scripture has much to say about the benefits of laughter. So get laughing! You will be glad you did!

²²A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

Proverbs 17:22