Good Medicine
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22
Several nights ago, I had a conversation with a friend, and we began laughing at the silliest things. Once we started laughing, we laughed even harder. Eventually tears were running down our faces and our sides hurt! In my prayers that night, I thanked God for the gift of laughter and the positive way it affected me physically and emotionally.
As Proverbs says, “a cheerful heart is good medicine,” and I’m inclined to believe that there is something healing that comes from laughter. Laughter lowers stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, and increases serotonin, the "happy hormone". It also relaxes muscles and releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers that block nerve cells that receive pain signals. Laughter also increases the number of antibody-producing cells, which can help fight stress and illnesses. Another of the many benefits of laughter is that it improves blood flow, which increases oxygen supply to the brain.
There have been many times in my life when I have just needed to laugh. At those times, God has reminded me of times in the past I have laughed uncontrollably, and I start laughing again. Or a friend will call to tell me about something funny that happened. If all else fails, I watch one of two or three movies, that always make me laugh.
When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? Don’t forget to use this highly effective medicine our Great Physician has given us.
God, thank you for the gift of laughter. Thank You for the gladness that come with shared laughter and humor. Amen.