Laughter is powerful medicine.  Research has shown that laughter has the potential to reduce stress which can result in improved psychological and physical health.  Physically, a good laugh has been shown to dilate blood vessels, increase oxygen to the brain, reduce stress hormones in the blood stream, and increase positive hormones like endorphin which improve mood.  Emotionally, laughter has been shown to reduce depression and anxiety, improve grief adjustment, provide greater enjoyment of life, and promote relational bonding.

Considering all these positive benefits maybe we need to get serious about finding something to laugh about.

There are many ways to have a laugh during this holiday season.  Here are a few to consider: play a non-competitive game with friends or family, watch a comedy, listen to a comedian, go caroling, or read a light-hearted book that brings a laugh or at least a smile to your face.  Give yourself permission to make time for some fun and reap the benefits of improved mood and better physical health.

There are also plenty of things that happen each day that we can laugh at if we take comedian Ken Davis’ advice to, “Lighten up and live.”  When we do not take ourselves too seriously we can find humor in the mistakes and blunders that we make while not beating ourselves up for them.  One way we can do this is to relive some of the old stories from our childhood or other times in our life that we can now look back at together with friends and family for a laugh.

Before we get too carried away, here are a few words of caution.  While it can be amusing to poke fun at ourselves or others, beware of taking it too far.  In telling stories or joking with others make sure that you are not putting other people down or putting yourself down.  Research shows that mean-spirited and sarcastic humor or self-defeating humor has the opposite effect and will cause decreased mood and even have negative physical consequences for you or others as stress increases.  We all know how it feels to be on the wrong end of a bad joke so take a good look at the humor you are using and make sure no harm is being done.

There is a Proverb that says laughter does good like a medicine.  Another Proverb says a cheerful look brings joy to the heart.  So be a good medicine for yourself and for those around you this holiday season.  Give the gift of laughter and a cheerful look.