Laughter is an involuntary expression of excitement, amusement, joyousness, happiness, cheerfulness or humour associated with unarticulated sound, although laughter in some occasions can be initiated voluntarily. Laughter has therapeutic benefits. It boosts immunity, diffuses tension and adds radiance to one's appearance.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy ...” (Gal 5:22). One necessary ingredient of the recreated human spirit is a joyful heart. When you maintain a joyful spirit, a conducive environment is created for the Holy Spirit to work in you, with you and through you. Laughter is an expression of joy and it’s contagious. It induces others to key into the mood and join in the expression. Laughter helps in bonding, acts as a shock absorber and promotes general well being. Laughter is a gift, it’s fun, readily available and beneficial in many ways.

                Benefits of Laughter

It reduces stress hormones and improves mood: Stress hormones such as cortisol and

epinephrine are reduced in the body when you laugh. Anxiety, anger and sadness are all dissolved at an expression of laughter. Also when you laugh, the body releases a feel-good hormone called endorphin. This promotes the feeling well being and can act as a pain reliever.

It improves the heart and mental health: Laughter aids the functioning of blood vessels by increasing vascular blood flow, thereby reducing the risk of heart attack and other cardio-vascular maladies. In addition, it aids mental alertness, creativity and memory retention.

It boosts the immune system: When a person laughs, more immune-boosting hormones and antibody producing cells such as gamma-interferon and T-cells are produced in the body.

They are tumour and disease-killing cells which help the body fight off infections effectively.

It enhances social relationship: Laughter promotes the feeling of acceptance, strengthens relationships, enhances

teamwork, promotes group bonding and diffuses conflict. Laughter makes you look good and approachable, which helps to attract others to you.

It helps you handle difficulties: When laughter is expressed, attention is shifted from a tensed situation or any negative occurrence, thus helping in handling difficult circumstances.

Laughter is a refreshing tonic. A smiling face exudes warmth, confidence and a welcoming ambience. Get more laughter into your life today; it’ll keep you healthy, sociable and emotionally sound. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine! (Proverbs 17:22).

For more Healthy Living tips, visit our website at www.enterthehealingschool.org/magazine and download previous editions of the magazine in PDF format.