Laughter: The Simplicity of Self Care

In today’s hustle-bustle society, laughter is a nearly lost remedy for selfcare. With time pressures, technology, and mounting responsibilities, laughter is quietly replaced with the busyness of life. Yet, Byron Pulsifer notes, "Laughter is one of the best medicines around for relieving stress and for creating a more healthy spirit. And, one of the greatest aspects is that it is totally free and can be done by anyone.”

Psychological Benefits

“Laughter can bring a new perspective.” — Christopher Durang

Do you wish to reduce your stress and anxiety? Are you looking to release tension and counteract signs of depression? Research indicates that laughter truly is good medicine. Furthermore, the psychological benefits of laugher enhance memory and creative thinking. Laughter improves interpersonal interaction and reduces isolation. It fosters a feeling of connection and a sense of a similar worldview. And so, laughter increases friendliness

and helpfulness. And perhaps the greatest psychological benefit of laughter is an increased ability to cope with difficult situations. Laughter lightens burdens and increases hopes.

• Reduces stress, anxiety, and tension, and counteracts symptoms of depression

• Improves mood, reduces the stress response

• Enhances memory and creative thinking

• Improves interpersonal interaction and reduces isolation

• Increases friendliness and helpfulness

• Increases ability to cope with difficult situations

Physiological Benefits

Not only is laughter good for the mind. It is beneficial for the body as well! Need a mood adjustment? Laughter does that by increasing endorphins. Laughter enhances the intake of oxygen-rich air stimulating the heart, lungs, and muscles. Need to reduce stress? Laughter is known to release neuropeptides that help fight stress, improves the immune system, and may even ward off more serious illnesses.

Feeling tight? Laughter helps to relax and exercise muscles. And laughter increases our pain threshold and tolerance.

• Increases endorphins that the brain releases, which can improve mood

• Enhances intake of oxygen-rich air that stimulates heart, lungs, muscles

• Improves immune system. Positive thoughts can release neuropeptides that help fight stress

• and potentially more serious illnesses.

• Relaxes and exercises muscles

• Increases pain threshold and tolerance

As John Morreall reminds us:

“The person who has a sense of humor is not just more relaxed in the face of a potentially stressful situation but is more flexible in his approach.”

This short poem is a reminder to live life on the lighter side. Give yourself permission to laugh and enjoy all of life!

Keep Laughing

Laugh a little

Laugh for long,

Giggle, Chuckle, Chortle, Snort.

Laugh when the tears start rolling

Or when you’ve shared and lost.

Shriek and chase the funny pain.

Titter with people who love you,

Go on and make it hilarious.

Holding the folder in your hand,

Let out the laugh just because.

Crack up at the priceless things,

When they’re too shore to live on.

Remind everyone with a howl

What they hope for.

Laugh until there’s nothing left,

So no one can snatch that away.

Shared by Life Poem on PoemHunter.com