The Joy of Laughter: 5 Reasons It's Good for the Soul
Can laughter really be good medicine for the soul? According to science, the answer is a resounding "yes!"
But science wasn't the first one to discover this idea. The Bible teaches us in Proverbs 17:22 that "A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired."
There is a joy in laughter that shouldn't be ignored. It can change your day and benefit you in so many ways.
It's also one of the easier self-care methods. Read on to see why.
What is the saying laughter is good for the soul?
You've likely heard this over and over in some form, but it's true.
There's some heavy things happening in the midst of your soul.
The soul houses your mind, will, and emotions. It's where the thinking happens, the choices are made, and the impact of life hits first.
Your soul is the deepest part of you that affects everything else in your life.
The good news is laughter is a powerful tool for keeping it healthy and ridding it of toxins that eat away at your peace and joy.
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What is the importance of laughter in life?
Laughter is important in life because it's a release.
It's a way to let go of the pain, the hurt, and the stress that we carry around with us every day.
We can't control everything in life, but laughter gives us a little bit of control over our circumstances.
It helps us take a step back from the situation and see it for what it is—a situation, not the end of the world.
Life can cause us to pass from moment to moment without any enjoyment. Laughter is one of the things that remind us of the beauty of life and living in today.
Laughter also connects us with other people. It breaks down barriers and allows us to connect on a deeper level than just words can do.
“Always laugh when you can, it is cheap medicine.”
George Gordon Byron
5 Reasons It's Good for the Soul
There's some science behind laughter, but there's more to it than just what we can see and measure.
It does things like improves blood flow by 20 percent, lowers blood pressure, protects against heart disease, etc.
The following provides more support for its benefits.
Stress Reliever
Do you know what it's like to be stressed? I'm sure you do. We all do.
Sometimes we bring it on ourselves, but many times the stress is just there as we try to manage life and responsibilities. This can be amplified when life throws us a curveball.
Though these are our reality, God never meant for life to pull us apart.
When we are stressed, our laughter decreases and our anger increases.
In these moments, it's more important than ever to have laughter!
It's a way of release and can help us to find perspective. Some things aren't as serious as we make them.
Health Booster
According to www.helpguide.org, “Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.”
It's a natural remedy to some of the health issues we experience. We don't realize that all of that worry, stress, business, etc. takes a toll on our mind which eventually matriculates into our body.
In order to have a healthy body, we must also have a healthy mind and laughter definitely contributes to that.
Mood Booster
Not only does laughter decrease stress hormones, but it also releases endorphins which make you feel good. Who doesn't want to be in a good mood?
The release of endorphins also provides a natural high similar to exercise. Think about all that energy you have after a workout. That's what laughter does.
Not only can laughter be a mood booster to you, but it can also benefit others.
Being around people who laugh contagiously is an instant mood booster for everyone around them! Happiness is infectious.
Cognitive Stimulator
That contagious laughter is also a stimulant for your thought life.
On the days when we experience brain fog or just can't seem to think for the next moment, it may be a sign that a laugh break is needed.
The laughter helps to stimulate the brain and can move things from a cloudy state to clear.
Not only does laughter add clarity, but it also promotes positive thinking which can help you change your position in life for the better!
God's Prescription
Have you ever thought to search for laughter is good medicine for the soul bible verse? Probably not.
But the Bible is clear that God does allow us to enjoy some humor. And the best part is that we don't have to delve into crudeness or vulgarity to achieve that.
There are plenty of ways to experience laughter whether that be with your spouse, family, watching a move, looking at memes, or whatever.
Take purposeful action to allow yourself to be around the people or situations that make you laugh.
In conclusion, laughter really is the best medicine. It’s good for the soul and it’s a great way to take care of yourself.
If you don’t have anything funny in your life right now, find a way to laugh. Watch a funny movie, read jokes online, or hang out with friends who make you laugh.
Laughter is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your mood and improve your overall well-being.
So go ahead and give it a try – I promise you won’t regret it! How do you incorporate laughter into your life?