Were you aware that May 2nd is designated as World Laughter Day? If not, consider this newfound knowledge. On this day, countless individuals assemble in person or virtually in major cities worldwide to unite through shared laughter and enjoy the pleasures of comedy. It undoubtedly promises an enjoyable experience.
Beyond the celebratory aspect, how frequently do you find yourself laughing? Daily laughter can surprisingly become a regular exercise if we allow it. In fact, it’s an intentional action, as we’ll explore in the explanations below.
Laughing is equated to feasting in the Bible. Proverbs 15:15: “For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.”
Wikipedia defines laughter as a pleasant physical reaction usually consisting of rhythmical, often audible contractions of the diaphragm and other parts of the respiratory system. In addition, it is a response to certain external or internal stimuli.
Laughter can arise from such activities as being tickled or from humorous stories or thoughts.
Is laughter in the Bible?
Wise King Solomon defined laughter in Ecclesiastes 10:19 “A feast is made for laughter, wine makes life merry, and money is the answer for everything.
In addition, Job 39:22 says, “It laughs at fear, afraid of nothing; it does not shy away from the sword.” Retrospecting Genesis 21:6 Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.”
In reality, everyone has laughed several times. Laughter takes little or no effort to do. There is a common saying, “laughter is good medicine.” How true is that for you? Let’s find out how you can try this therapy.
What are the health benefits of laughter?
The health benefits of laughing are numerous. We will not discuss all of them in this post.
1. It releases natural feel-good chemicals
Given the high level of stress on these pandemic days, a good laugh will undoubtedly be a stress reliever. Some medical research has confirmed in the short term, if you laugh regularly, it doesn’t just lighten your load mentally; it actually induces physical changes in your body. That stimulates several organs in your body by enhancing your intake of oxygen-rich air.
Equally, it stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles and increases the endorphins released by your brain. In other words, it increases and decreases your heart rate and blood pressure.
Acceptably, extreme stress increases tension, laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation. These both help to reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.
2. It decreases pain
Did you know your body produces painkillers? I doubt you did. Now you know. Our bodies have natural God-given potential to ease the pain. When we laugh, it causes the body to produce its own natural painkillers.
Though this is a long-term effect, as medical researchers have affirmed, there is a massive benefit to laughing.
3. It increases personal satisfaction.
In everything we do, we expect to be happy and satisfied. It’s human nature to anticipate celebration and be applauded for doing something well. Medical reports have highlighted in the long run, if we laugh, it will make it easier for us to cope with difficult situations. Since everyone also wants to hang out with joyful people, it’s not rocket science to say laughter helps us connect with other people.
If God laughs, why shouldn’t we laugh? Psalm 2:4: “But the one who rules in heaven laughs.” Agreeably, it is not easy to laugh when we are unhappy about our lives, but we can pray to God for it. Job did it in his distress, you can too. I do it sometimes. Job 8:21: “He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”
If laughter is your hobby, you will not be afraid of the future. Proverbs 31:25: “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”
4. Mood swing can affect laughter
We all can be and have been moody several times because of sad things happening in our lives or around us. Sadly, many people around the world are experiencing depression, either because of job instability or the COVID-19 pandemic. We cannot deny this hard time can cause us to be stressed and feel anxious.
But laughter makes us feel happier. It improves our self-esteem and gives us a positive outlook on life. Even in captivity, the children of Isreal choose to sing joyfully because they know their joy is from God and not from the situation. Psalm 126:2: “We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, ‘What amazing things the Lord has done for them.’”
I am not insinuating you should pretend to laugh at all times. That is unrealistic, and I don’t do that every day too. It’s ok to accept your challenging situation as a temporal event but choose to laugh as often as possible.
There is a time for everything. Ecclesiastes 3:4: “A time to cry and a time to laugh.” God is always there in all seasons of our lives. We just need to trust him at all times. Luke 6:21: “God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now for in due time you will laugh.”
“Consider your trials as your friend” Prophet TB Joshua. That doesn’t seem like what anyone wants to do. Yes, it is, but that’s what the Bible encourages us to do. 1 Peter 4:13: “Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.”
Recommendation
Doctors advise us to make it a habit to share a laugh. Yes, laughter can be a habit. This means choosing to spend time with friends who make you laugh. And then return the favor by sharing funny stories or jokes with those around you as often as possible.
Reading jokes from books or watching comedy shows on YouTube is one easy way to keep laughter updated. We all need humor; share it, and choose it. Make our world a better place.
In conclusion, laughter can be healing, it can be relaxing, and at times it can be just what we need to get through the day. Try it daily and give me feedback. I haven’t been perfect, but I try it almost daily.
Reflection questions
- When and why did you last laugh out loud?
- How do you make people laugh?
- Do you have an infectious laugh?
- When was the last time you giggled?
- How easy do you find it to laugh at yourself?
- What was the last joke you heard?
- What comedy series makes you laugh the most?
For more uplifting faith study articles, click here.
