“Laughter is the best medicine!” That's probably a common saying that you've heard before. But have you ever seriously considered that once you start laughing, you can actually start healing. There is a large body of research to support that laughter can be a tool, a tool to strengthen your immune system, reduce pain, boost mood, as well as increase energy and recover from stress. Humor can lighten your burdens, inspire hope, enhance personal relationships, as well as keep you grounded and focused with more clarity. With all of this power to heal and renew, it helps us to forgive sooner and release anger more quickly. Some of the best things about laughter as medicine is that it is free, fun and easy to use. It also creates a strong bond in relationships of any kind and helps us to let go of resentments and defensiveness. It even helps us to express our true feelings in a non-threatening way. And to be more spontaneous laughter is especially powerful in managing conflict and reducing tension when emotions are running high.
A 2012 study found that babies laugh an average of 300 times a day compared to only 20 times a day for adults. I don't know about you, but I love the sound of babies and children laughing. When I lived in town near an elementary school playground, I enjoyed listening to the sound of children playing and laughing. I would purposely go for a walk when I knew they were out on recess. We all have a choice. We actually have choices multiple times a day, whether to laugh or just simply smile. Let's start to become more aware of those times and choose to laugh and smile whenever we can. I find many chances to laugh at myself throughout the day. And try not to take myself too seriously. As some of you might know, I recently lost my soulmate and that there were many things that he did around the property that I am just learning to do.
So I am frequently laughing at my lack of skills regarding the tractor, the boat, or general repairs. In fact, just a little while ago, I found out that I do not have enough hand strength to unscrew the gas tank on the pontoon. As far as humorous antidotes, I jokingly told my grandchildren that “grandma put on her big girl panties and successfully took the pontoon boat out on the lake alone”. We all laughed. Besides laughing at yourself, and telling humorous little stories about challenging situations, we can avoid negativity when possible. Turn off the news or remove yourself from judgmental or critical conversations. I already mentioned the sound of children's play and laughter but what about paying attention to the things that make your personal, inner child happy? What are those fun things? Schedule time to let yourself participate in the actual activity, or at least recall a favorite memory. Recalling enjoyable memories is a great way to relieve stress and to release grief too.
There are physical, social and mental benefits in applying laughter as medicine. Physically it helps prevent heart disease, boosts immunity, lowers stress hormones, relaxes muscles and decreases pain. Socially, it promotes group bonding, reduces conflict, enhances teamwork, strengthens relationships and often attracts others to us like a magnet.
Mentally it relieves stress, improves mood, strengthens resilience, adds joy to life, and eases anxiety and tension. Studies support laughter as not only making you feel better, but also that the positive feelings remain even after the laughter subsides. So, why not bring more laughter into your life? It can simply start with the practice of smiling more. If you don't already smile at everyone you see during the day, try it. Start a gratitude practice listing or writing down three things that you are grateful for each day. Another suggestion is when you hear laughter, make an effort to laugh along. Simply seek out fun positive people. I find playing with my dog and watching Disney movies quickly makes me feel better. If I really need laughter as medicine... I turn to a thing called laughter yoga. There are many YouTube videos to follow along with. Although it begins with forced simulated laughter...it usually ends with the authentic laughter of making fun of myself. Here, let's try it now... seated or standing. Turn to your left and while clapping twice. Say “Ha-ha”, like this. “Ha(clap) ha(clap)”. Next, turn to the right and while clapping three times, say “ho, ho, ho”, like this.” Ho (clap), ho(clap), ho (clap)”. The third and final step is to face forward and move your hands in a circular motion kinda like stirring a big bowl. And on this will say “yippee”. So let's put all three steps together. Turn to the left. Ha-ha, turn to the right ho, ho, ho, face forward” yippee”!. This audio version probably doesn't do it full justice. So be sure to check out some of the YouTube videos I mentioned.
So, call in the physical, social and mental benefits of laughter! Call them into existence. “Call IT in With Dar!”
Transcribed by https://otter.ai