I’ve been thinking about laughter lately. The Bible says in Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” Studies have been done that show evidence of this truth. Laughter is a stress-reducing, freeing activity. Nothing compares to the relief of an uncontrollable belly laugh! It is especially good to share such a laugh with a friend. I have a good friend with whom I worked for several years. Our friendship has continued and we travel together some. Almost every time we are together something will happen or be said that allows us the pleasure of this type laughter.

According to Elizabeth Scott, M.S. in an article at about.com, The Stress Management and Health Benefits of Laughter, there are many physical benefits of regular laughter. These include:

• Reduces the level of stress hormones and increases the level of health-enhancing hormones

• Provides a physical relief

• “A good belly laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and even works out the shoulders, leaving muscles more relaxed afterward. It even provides a good workout for the heart.”

• Causes a distraction that can keep one’s focus off of negative emotions such as anger or guilt.

• Gives a different perspective. Laughing off stressful situations and maintaining a lighthearted attitude toward life helps one see a difficult situation as a challenge rather than a problem.

Would you like to share a time when laughter have a positive effect in your life?