Laugh Out Loud

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

You've probably heard this verse many times, but have you ever taken it seriously? Or rather, have you taken it laughingly?

Laughter is one of the sweetest gifts God has given us, benefiting our minds, spirits, and bodies.

Did you know that during a hearty laugh your diaphragm, abdomen, heart, lungs, and liver actually get a massage?

Laughter also releases an instant flood of your body's "feel good" chemicals (like endorphins), which boost your immune system and reduce your levels of damaging stress hormones.

Humor also helps both sides of your brain work together and helps you get rid of toxic thoughts and emotions.

Laughter is also good for your heart because it leads to increased blood flow, which helps protect against heart attacks.

Do I have you convinced yet? The scientific evidence for the physical benefits of laughter are undoubtedly clear (unlike this sentence). =)

So how often do you laugh...not a little chuckle, but a real deep belly laugh? Once a week? Once a day?

Whether it's reading Garfield cartoons, watching a funny movie, or remembering comic experiences from the past, find some ways to get your laugh-ercise this week.

And keep on smiling! =)

(Much of this information is taken from "Who Switched Off My Brain" by Dr. Caroline Leaf.)