When it comes to my health, I am admittedly a work in progress. I love the aspect of continually learning, working and striving to live the life of healthy possibilities and with that said, I am most appreciative of the healthy things that are priceless and free for the taking like laughter and a sense of humor. I could not imagine a day without laughter and certainly thankful for embracing how positive and effective a sense of humor can be.
If the saying holds true that “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” then I am very much my mother’s daughter as laughter and a good sense of humor were passed along to me at a very early age and lets just say, they’ve played well into my life and continue to do so.
There are many moments in my life that bring me back to tears of laughter and far too many to share here, but trust me when you show up at the hospital emergency room because you’ve got deodorant in your eye and oh yes, it was roll-on deodorant you know you’d better have a sense of humor for what unfolds. Trust me, the not one but two doctors treating me had no issue with finding the humor, and of course, then there was the time while traveling in Switzerland and staying at a chalet that my cousin and I discovered that we’d showered in the men’s shower room by mistake. It might have been worthwhile to have checked the back of the open door for the sign rather than assuming it was the women’s showers which would have made it less stressful for the two men that walked in on us but lets face it not nearly as funny! At the end of the day, I am happy to say these have not been isolated events in my life, humor and laughter have woven themselves beautifully throughout. No doubt at this point, I probably have enough material for a book, so you never know, but for now, I hold the past memories with a smile and the future is an open door.
Laughter is healthy medicine. Nothing works faster at bringing balance back to the mind and body then a good laugh. Humor lightens our burdens, connects us to others, keeps us grounded, brings us hope and provides us the ability to heal and renew our spirit. I know without question that laughter is good for the soul and I have also discovered that during the difficult moments in my life that laughter mixed with tears can heal the soul.
Still not convinced, here are just a few reasons why we need to embrace the benefits of laughter:
- Boosts immunity and lowers stress hormones
- Decreases pain and relaxes your muscles
- Prevents heart disease
- Adds joy and zest to life
- Eases anxiety and fear
- Relieves stress and improves mood
- Enhances resilience
- Strengthens relationships
- Attracts others to us
- Enhances teamwork
Again, I can’t imagine a life without laughter and with that, not being able to laugh at myself; and all that life seems to throw my way. Find your sense of humor and you’ll discover that most things in life don’t need to be taken so seriously. Still sitting on the fence, well why not start by spending time with fun, playful people. You know the ones, they’re not hard to find; they smile easily. Now here’s the real dare, why not ask them “what’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you?” and I dare you not to laugh!
So here’s to embracing your sense of humor and enjoying the benefits of laughter!
Susan
