“Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.”

Tonight I had a really fun evening.  After enjoying a great dinner with my sister-in-law who is in town for a conference, I brought a group of 16 and 17 year old young women from my church group that I teach, to my office so we could sit down and go through tips on how to best interview for a job.  We had a great conversation and covered many educational topics.  As the evening went on we enjoyed talking and laughing and then laughing some more. At one point we began laughing so hard that we literally started to cry.  We laughed so hard we almost couldn’t breathe.  It was such a fun evening and everyone was all smiles.

Have you ever noticed the way that a good dose of laughter will do wonders for making life happy?  Don’t just take my word for it; there are plenty of research studies that have been done to prove that. A recent scientific study has proven that laughter causes a chemical reaction in the body which leads to reduced stress and a boost to your immune system due to a release of serotonin and endorphins.   The boost of serotonin activates a neurochemical reaction that helps people think more creatively and tolerate stress better.  Some people turn to taking antidepressants to help increase their serotonin levels, but the reality is that you can self-medicate by laughing out loud more often, playing with friends, watching a funny movie, going to a comedy club, or doing any fun activity that involves laughter.

Studies also show that humor boosts our immune system.  Researchers from Loma Linda University found that when people watch a humorous video, two hormones increased significantly – beta-endorphins which alleviate depression increased by 27 percent, and Human Growth Hormone (HcG) which boost the immune system, increased by 87 percent.

Humor relaxes us.  The moment we laugh our walls come crashing down. We are open, receptive, and ready to be taught. We are also more aware of opportunities before us.

“I think the next best thing to solving a problem is finding some humor in it”. – Frank Howard Clark

Best of all, laughter is contagious!  It spreads like wildfire.  I am certain that every one of you reading this can think of a time when a group of people came together and tbe people aoround you started laughing at something and the very next thing you know you have started laughing to, even if you were unsure what it is everyone is laughing about?  You simply can’t help yourself.  You literally can’t keep from laughing out loud.  But that is okay because your laughter spreads optimism, and optimism and a positive attitude can carry you thru almost any trial in life.   The key to having humor and happiness is this:   Researches proves that it is physiologically impossible to feel fear at the same time as feeling appreciative.  Laughter and gratitude go hand in hand. So feel grateful today and every day.  Be appreciative of all you have.  Then sit back and allow the laughter and lift your spirits…remember what G. K. Chesterton once wrote: “Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.”  Go be an Angel 🙂

~Amy

 

3 Comments

  • Steph Featherstone says:

    Maybe this is why I’ve had such a difficult week. I haven’t really laughed! I will have to make sure I get some good laughter in today. Thanks Amy!

  • Kami says:

    yes, we did cover many “educational topics”!!! What a fun evening!

  • Winona says:

    Good respond in return of this issue with firm arguments and describing the whole thing regarding
    that.

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