Laugh it Away!

Feeling terrible when we are ill is no laughing matter, and chronic disease is very serious; so, why would anyone tell a sick person to laugh it off!? Science shows that this is wise advice even if it goes against emotional logic. Emotional logic is actually an oxymoron, so bear with me.

Our mood and state of mind effect all of our body systems, especially, the immune system, endocrine system, and digestive system. Some of us remember Norman Vincent Peale, the controversial minister and author who was well known between the 1930s and 1980s, and who believed in the power of positive thinking. We now know he was right - We are what we think, and our body's physiology manifests what we feel. For example, hormones are released in our body by the endocrine system when we are stressed. These stress hormones increase blood platelets, which can obstruct arteries, raise blood pressure, and suppress the immune system. Laughter is a natural medicinal response to reverse the effects of this stress on our body.

Laughter increases T-cells, (a major part of the immune response), B-cells (which make disease destroying antibodies), and gamma-interferon (a disease fighting protein). Laughter also increases the concentration of salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA), which helps fight infectious organisms entering the respiratory tract, and secretes an enzyme that protects the stomach from forming ulcers. Laughter lowers blood pressure, increases vascular blood flow, and oxygenates the blood. A good laugh is also aerobic exercise, which tones up your diaphragm, abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg and back muscles.

Before you grab aspirin or another med to reduce pain, read a good joke book or funny story, or watch your favorite comedy or cartoon. Laughter can reduce physical pain by releasing endorphins that provide natural pain relief. Psychological and emotional pain wane in the presence of lightheartedness. Anger, sadness, and fear are toxic emotions with toxic effects on our health, and inhibit healing. Connection with others - Having a good laugh together, will change the direction of our bodies' physiological responses.

Smiling more often, seeing the funny side of things, and not taking ourselves too seriously, will go a long way in keeping our immune systems strong, our endocrine systems restored, and our digestive systems operating smoothly. The healing power of humor is an important part of health and healing. Since ancient times, humans have known that a joyful heart gives health to the body; it's exciting that science has caught up with this wisdom. "A merry heart does good like medicine." (Proverbs 17:22)

The "feel good" neurochemicals like serotonin and endorphins are increased with laughter, while stress neurotransmitters like cortisol and adrenalin are decreased. The increased catecholamine neurotransmitters, such as epinephrine and dopamine, may be responsible for the beneficial effects humor has on alertness, memory, and responsiveness. Laughter makes us feel good and promotes health and healing! If we are not naturally funny ourselves, it may be wise to surround ourselves with humorous, lighthearted people. Happiness is contagious. Instead of catching a virus, let's catch humor and laugh away!