Healing power of a laugh

We’ve all heard the cliché “laughter can be the best medicine,” but in my case it’s more than that. As director of the Texas Health Fitness Center HEB I know a lot more goes into health and wellness than having a good belly laugh each day.

But all things considered, laughter can help in so many ways. Those that know me recognize I’m a bit of a jokester and like nothing better than to get people laughing. When we laugh we connect with others, let out distressing emotions and increase our infection-fighting antibodies. It lowers stress hormones, decreases pain, relaxes muscles and even helps to prevent heart disease.

Bottom line it feels good to laugh. And it feels even better to connect with others who are also laughing. Our brains are even wired to laugh more when the internal “detector” in our brains notices laughter and triggers circuits in the brain to keep laughing.

That’s why it is important to create opportunities to laugh. Host a game night with friends, let out your inner kid and goof around with the children in your life, make time for fun activities. The great thing about laughter is it’s free. And in this economy that’s a bonus to relieving stress in itself.

If you’re one of those people who needs a checklist to have fun, consider these questions when debating to approach life with a frown or a smile:
• Is it worth getting upset over?
• Is it worth upsetting others?
• Is it that important?
• Is it that bad?
• Can the situation be fixed?
• Is it even my problem?

If the answers are yes, you should obviously work towards a solution then take a break for some fun you deserve it.

If the answers are no, then relax and find a friend to share a laugh with. Better yet, remember what Patch Adams said: “Laughter can be hazardous to your illness.”

Mike Lofland
Director, Texas Health Fitness Center HEB