Make Yourself Laugh Everyday

Whether you want to laugh or not, there are several good reasons to laugh. Laughter is self-care. In stressful and uncertain times self-care is not an option, it is a necessity.

According to Dr. Avery M. Jackson III, MD, FACS, FAANS in his book The God Prescription, he states “Laughter is good medicine. When you are feeling sad, despondent, or depressed, make yourself laugh. . . your body doesn’t know whether you are laughing spontaneously or are forcing yourself to laugh. The benefit is the same either way! Dr. Jackson outlines several health benefits when you laugh:

1. Increase blood pressure (momentarily, like exercising)

2. Increase heart rate (momentarily, like exercising)

3. Change breathing

4. Reduce certain levels of neurochemicals (catecholamines, hormones)

5. Boost the immune system

6. Aid in relaxing by reducing muscle tension

You also burn calories and tone your abdominal muscles with deep belly laughs. It can improve your mood and be a temporary pain and stress reliever. It may seem awkward at first, but I dare you to make yourself laugh. Sometimes we have to do something different to get different results. Start taking your daily Rx dose of laughter. Go on ahead and laugh. What are you waiting for?

#self-care #laughter