Laughter as medicine

One of the most important things we can do to help our immune system now and any time is to laugh.

I'm sure you’ve noticed ample jokes and funny memes circulating on social media about covid19, what could be more human to face something sorta scary with poking holes at it with jokes. Laughter can be such a healthy response during times of stress.

My 9-year-old shared a joke another third-grader made up. It wasn’t particularly funny, but I laughed appreciating how we naturally gravitate toward laughter.

It’s good for us!

When you laugh your body releases endorphins that in turn sends a message of calm and safety to your entire body.

Laughter relaxes your muscles and boosts your immune system by decreasing stress hormones and increasing immune cells.

Laughter helps increase blood flow and relax your blood vessels reducing stress on your heart.

These past few weeks have got me thinking about how we cope, how resilient and courageous we are, and what beautiful human beans we are.

I just rewatched BFG in response to my own stress levels - that with tea and the Stillpoint inducer helped me sleep very well!

If you haven't seen this movie yet, I highly recommend it, no matter what your age.

I encourage you to look at laughter like it is medicine right now.

Seek it out.

Look to our comedians, to lighthearted silly movies, to the authors who make you smile or lift up your heart.

Robert Sapolsky, Candace Pert, and Anne Lamott are three authors who make me laugh and give good info about life and being human.

Look to your own friends and family. If they are at a distance,

pick up the phone and call a friend or family member to share a laugh.