Today is the day the Lord has made…
I will rejoice today because I’ve already decided to fill it with some laughter.
Believe it or not, laughter is good for our health. Studies show that laughter can boost the immune system, provide higher pain tolerance, increase respiratory capacity, reduce heart attack risk, help control diabetic blood sugar levels, relax muscles, decrease stress hormones, and curb allergy symptoms.
Voltaire once said, “The art of medicine consists of keeping the patient amused while nature heals the disease.” Or more simply put, “A cheerful heart is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22).” Laughter is good medicine especially coupled with a positive attitude. Humor can even give us a healthy sense of perspective on our problems, so we don’t look at small annoyances as life-shattering events.
Studies also show that even a forced smile makes a person happier and lessens stress. I can usually find something to laugh about each day, but if I can’t, I can always force a smile. Or I can buy a clown nose and wear it so everyone else can laugh. Remember, we don’t laugh because we are happy; we are happy because we can laugh!
“A merry heart does good, like medicine…” ~Proverbs 17:22
