It’s Mug Monday! Join me each week through the summer to see the featured mug (some mine, some yours, & some borrowed). We will seek to make some sense out of the wisdom or humor written on its side. Pull up a chair and join me in a cup of coffee!
Chuckle. Cackle. Chortle.
Giggle. Guffaw.
Snicker. Crack up.
LAUGH.
Do you love to laugh? Or do you think too much laughter is simply a waste of time?
Today’s Mug Monday coffee mug reminds me of an old, familiar saying about laughter:
Laughter is the best medicine.
Did you know there is a lot of truth in that statement? Laughter really does help us -emotionally, physically, and relationally.
I read through a few online articles and found out scientific evidence supports the benefit of laughter. Here are a few of the ways laughter helps us physically and emotionally:
- Increases blood flow and oxygen levels
- Lowers blood sugar
- Promotes relaxation and sleep
- Boosts the immune system
- Reduces stress and soothes tension
- Reduces pain by releasing endorphins
- Improves mood by lessening depression & anxiety
Laughter also helps us relationally. Of course laughter is most likely to happen when we are around other people. And it is contagious. When we laugh, others join in. Sharing a laugh triggers positive feelings between people. Laughter brings people together, building new relationships and strengthening existing ones.
Physically, emotionally, and relationally, laughter is indeed good medicine.
A marvelous truth: God created laughter. It wasn’t an accident. It didn’t “just happen.” When God designed humans, He purposefully wired us with this weird, wonderful ability to laugh – to find humor in the situations of life and share playful conversation with other people.
He not only designed laughter to bring fun and joy to life, He also uniquely shaped it so it would do us good:
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. Proverbs 17:22
Laughter is not a time-waster or frivolous. It is necessary for a healthy, joyful life. So, let’s follow God’s wise advice.
Go ahead! Laugh out loud!
When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?
Other articles you may find helpful:
Stress Relief from Laughter? It’s No Joke
Titus Bible Study
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