Remember the last time you had a good belly laugh? You found yourself rolling on the floor, almost peeing your pants, and pleading with the person who was making you laugh to stop!
I remember about eight years ago (I can’t believe it has been that long) when my daughter showed me how to use Snapchat. It was Easter Sunday after we returned home from church. I couldn’t believe they had such an app.
I don’t know how popular the app is today, but research says it is still widely used by younger children and teenagers. If you’ve never used it, it adds things to your face and body and distorts your normal look. It began in July 2011. The three creators of the software met at Stanford. They are Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown.
Just a little bit of trivia for you.
Laughing can release tension, lessen stress, improve mood, and reduce pain. There is a place and time for laughing, but not in the middle of a sermon, a classmate's speech, or your parents' scolding.
According to EvolveHealth.com, there are five main benefits to laughing out loud.
- Decreases stress. Laughter lowers stress hormones, reduces physical tension, and lowers blood pressure.
- Strengthens Your Immune System. When you laugh, your body triggers a chemical reaction in your brain, releasing small proteins called neuropeptides. These molecules help maintain immune tolerance and fight illness.
- Improves Your Mood. Did you know that smiling at someone releases three hormones—dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin? Amazing! Your body is tricked into feeling happier.
- Increases Positivity. Positive feelings can be created just by smiling.
- Can Reduce Pain.
Life can be hectic, so try including a favorite comedy or sharing a funny video with friends. Find ways to keep the mood light and find time to laugh. The more you laugh, the happier you and those around you feel.
My Dad was a comedian at heart. He carried punch lines to jokes around in his wallet. He would remember the joke but often forget the punch line. You knew when he reached for his wallet, it wasn’t for cash; it was for the small piece of paper on which he had written the punchline.
Dad and I also had a skit we would perform for close friends and family. He would begin by trying to start his motorcycle. Yes, he owned a Harley Davidson before he married my mother. He would get on and then try to start it. It would start but then quickly shut off. He would try it again – and it would shut off. Finally, he gets the motorcycle running smoothly and motions for me to get on. I’d get on, wrapping my arms around his belly, ready to go, and the bike would stop. He’d motion for me to get off, so I did. And then we’d go through this routine again. And the finale would be that we happily get it going, it stalls, and we both fall together to the floor after it again stalls.
We usually heard a lot of laughter after the skit. Do you have any routines or skits that make others laugh?
So, brighten your day and others by smiling and thinking positively. Know that by encouraging others, you are encouraging yourself.
“A good laugh heals a lot of hurts.” – Madeline L’Engle
“Laughing is and always will be the best form of therapy.” – Dau Voire
“The human race has only one really effective weapon and that is laughter.”
– Mark Twain
Until next time…..
All my best,
Julie