With April Fools Day upon us, it is a good time to remember how important it is to have a good sense of humor. Did you know that there are many health benefits to enjoying a good laugh?  If you think about it, laughter is akin to an “internal jog” – boosting immunity, reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and even easing pain.

Norman Cousins – a prolific author and mental health advocate well known in the 1970′s – was very vocal about the healing power of humor. He once said, “I made the joyous discovery that ten minutes of genuine belly laughter has an anesthetic effect and it gives me at least two hours of pain-free sleep.” A champion of humor therapy, Cousins believed that comedic movies should be part of every patient’s treatment plan. Today, hundreds of hospitals dedicate rooms solely for the purpose of humor. Others offer visiting clown programs. Because laughter is healing, it can also provide a sense of solace during times of trauma. It was precisely for this reason that humorist Craig Zablocki addressed the town of Columbine soon after the tragic high school shootings in 1999.

The next time you feel stressed and need a change of perspective, amuse yourself with a funny movie, comic strip, or book. Although it may take some effort, try to look at tense situations in a humorous way. Channeling stress in a healthy way is especially helpful if you are high-strung. If you are lucky, you have people in your life who make you laugh. Maybe it is a co-worker, a best friend, spouse, child, or parent. It’s good to remember that when we share a laugh with others, everyone benefits from the natural chemicals that get released into our systems.

Someone wise once said, “Laughter costs nothing but contributes much. Only a fool would choose not to laugh!”  So indulge in a chuckle often.  It is good medicine! To learn more about your emotional health, you may enjoy reading my book entitled, Breaking the Grip of Dangerous Emotions.

Laugh and be happy~

Dr. Janet