A Merry Heart
The health benefits of laughter
Proverbs 17:22 says, “A merry heart does good, like medicine…” So is it any surprise that in the past 20 years research has proven this to be truth? We are truly fearfully and wonderfully made. God has given all of us (no matter how young or old) the gift of laughter. And now it is possible for us to see and understand the health benefits of a merry heart.
As I began to read all the different ways laughter affects our bodies internally, my heart was filled with thanksgiving. It’s just another reminder to me how awesome and all-knowing God is.
Did you know that a good belly laugh can relax your muscles, increase blood flow, reduce stress hormones and massage your internal organs?
Studies have also shown that laughter can increase levels of chemicals in the body which protect us against colds and the flu, as well as strengthen antibodies so they are able to pierce and destroy infectious cells.
Laughter has also been noted to relieve pain and lower blood pressure. And how about this fact: every time you have a really good belly laugh you burn up 31/2 calories… I need to find me some funny movies to watch!
God knew how important it was to our health for us to laugh when He gave us the gift of laughter; a medicine that has no adverse side effects, it’s free, and we can have as much of it as we want. What a fun way to improve your health.
Steven M. Sultanoff, Ph.D suggests carrying a clown nose for a week and wearing it at least once a day. Every time I think about seeing the faces of my co-workers as I walk down the hall with a clown nose on, I can’t help but laugh.
I hope you will join me this next week in finding ways to have a good belly laugh several times a day. Get inventive, let your creativity flow and share some of your belly laughs with us. And most of all enjoy having a merry heart, for it does good like a medicine…
Remember: A belly laugh a day helps keep the doctor away!
By Sherry
Visit her blog: www.wheretheroadleadsweeklyblog.blogspot.com
For more information on the health benefits of laughter go to:
www.humormatters.com
www.laughterremedy.com
www.aath.org
