"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22

Can something as simple as laughter benefit our families, marriages, parental relationships, and even promote spiritual, emotional and physical health. The answer is yes. Many studies are proving out what the Bible has been saying for thousands of years, “A cheerful heart is good medicine.”

Laughter is necessary and beneficial to our health, just like food and water.

This life lasts for only a few short years and taking things too seriously without adding laughter and enjoyment into our lives is not only unhealthy, but unbearable.

An article written by the Mayo Clinic Staff brings much illumination to the importance of laughter. In addition to increasing endorphins in the brain, which makes you feel happier, laughter enhances the intake of oxygen and stimulates organs and physical functions, such as your heart, lungs and muscles. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456)

Laughter has a unique way of soothing tension and reducing stress by improving circulation and relaxing muscles. It improves your overall immunity system as it combats negative feelings and stress that create harmful chemicals in the body. The less stress, the better your feelings and mood. The better your mood the better your relationships with people around you, including your children. Thus, laughter can help you be a better and more likable parent.

Some studies found mood also affects your immune system and illness. WebMD reports that a doctor by the name of Lee Berk, MD, a University of California Irvine medical professor, along with his associates, have found a person’s mood serves a role in fighting viruses, bacteria, cancer and heart disease. Laughter is good medicine just as the Bible says.

Is laughter necessary to your health, absolutely. But just as important, laughter benefits your spiritual and emotional health, and having healthy, happy relationships with your children and others.

Be intentional about bringing more laughter into your life and home.

There are some people that make you laugh. Get around them. Or maybe you are the type of person that loves making others laugh. What a gift! Use it!

Plan having fun times just for a laugh. Have a family movie night and watch a hysterical movie. Play some fun games that make people laugh. I know every time we play the game of Spoons, we experience belly laughs.

During daytime hours, take a break, get lighthearted and find something amusing to laugh about. Do all you can to laugh every day!

Story

There are some things that happen at home that are better off left unsaid. For the sake of this writing I will share. There are moments when this dad breaks out into a funny dance. I try my best to do some Michael Jackson spins, leg movements, slides, popping, etc. The result is family laughter and my kids pulling out their phones to record these momentous moments. Joking around makes for family bonding and fun memories that will carry on long after I am gone.

Family times filled with laughter are some of the most memorable moments of our lives. Reminiscing about stupid things done and funny things that happen bring great joy to the home. We need more time, not less, when we put all seriousness aside and just enjoy each other and laugh. Laughter is the best free medicine one can take!

Interesting

In the British Psychological Society’s journal, an article published by Marc Hye-Knudsen, a humor researcher and lab manager, discusses how humor can benefit kids. He found that embarrassing children a little can help them grow into healthy adults. He does not mean being hurtful, but being silly with them in front of friends. Things like dad jokes can help teach kids how to handle awkward moments and the importance of being light hearted.

BOTTOM LINE:

The Bible teaches laughter is good medicine.
Laughter is spiritually, emotionally and physically beneficial.
Be intentional about bringing laughter into your home and relationships.
Laughing more can help you be a better and more likable person and parent.

Today’s Prayer: LORD, please help me to give my cares over to you and become more childlike in not having to carry the burdens of the world. Help me to see the benefit of lightheartedness and laughter and to find ways of bringing laughter into my life and home. Help me to not take myself too seriously and to develop the playful part of me. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen

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