Laughter

Around 1000 BC, the wisest man in the world said, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine (Prov.17:22). A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance (Prov.15:13). He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast (Prov.15:15). Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones (Prov.16:24)”.

I think it was Ludlow Porch that said, “Don’t take life so serious Dearheart, it ain’t permanent nohow”.

Laughing makes us feel good. I read that the physiological effects on our body are amazing. Laughter provides a safety valve that shuts off the flow of stress hormones and the fight-or-flight compounds that comes into action in times of stress, rage or hostility. Laughter boosts the immune system, increases the natural killer cells that destroy tumors and viruses, and defends against the entry of infectious organisms through the respiratory tract. Laughter basically brings balance to all the components of the immune system.

Laughter can lower blood pressure, increase vascular blood flow, and increase oxygenation of the blood which further aids healing. It can lead to hiccupping and coughing which can clear the respiratory tract by dislodging mucus plugs. Laughter also gives your diaphragm and abdominal, respiratory and facial, leg and back muscles a workout. Basically laughter is an all over body workout. Some believe that laughter may help prevent life threatening heart disease since anger and fear are two common emotions which frequently cause heart attacks. If you feel exhausted after a bout of contagious giggling, it’s because you have just had an aerobic workout.

I like it when medical science catch’s up with scripture.