“Laughter is the best medicine!” That's probably a common saying that you've heard before. But have you ever seriously considered that once you start laughing, you can actually start healing? There is a large body of research to support that laughter can be a tool, a tool to strengthen your immune system, reduce pain, boost mood, as well as increase energy and recover from stress. Humor can lighten your burdens, inspire hope, enhance personal relationships, as well as keep you grounded and focused with more clarity. With all of this power to heal and renew, it helps us to forgive sooner and release anger more quickly. Some of the best things about laughter as medicine is that it is free, fun and easy to use. It also creates a strong bond in relationships of any kind and helps us to let go of resentments and defensiveness. It even helps us to express our true feelings in a non-threatening way. And to be more spontaneous laughter is especially powerful in managing conflict and reducing tension when emotions are running high.
A 2012 study found that babies laugh an average of 300 times a day compared to only 20 times a day for adults. I don't know about you, but I love the sound of babies and children laughing. When I lived in town near an elementary school playground, I enjoyed listening to the sound of children playing and laughing. I would purposely go for a walk when I knew they were out on recess. We all have a choice. We actually have choices multiple times a day, whether to laugh or just simply smile. Let's start to become more aware of those times and choose to laugh and smile whenever we can. That is what this podcast episode is all about...scheduling opportunities to apply laughter as medicine. So, call in the physical, social and mental benefits of laughter. Call them into existence. “Call IT in With Dar!”
Full Show Notes can be found at CallITInPodcast.com
Photo credit: Rebecca Lange Photography
Music credit: Kevin MacLeod Incompetech.com (licensed under Creative Commons)
Production credit: Erin Schenke @ Emerald Support Services LLC.
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