When was the last time you laughed? Like, really laughed?
According to the National Institutes of Health, the average adult laughs 15 times a day while a child laughs 400 times a day. That’s quite the difference!
As adults, we can often count our number of laughs per day on both hands. And even though we might chuckle several times, a chuckle is not the same as an uncontrollable fit of laughter.
Sometimes I find myself going days without enjoying one of those life-giving, full-belly laughs. I don’t want to live that way! I have a feeling you don’t want to live that way either.
The reasons we might laugh less as adults are far and wide. Some argue increased screen time has reduced the face-to-face interactions that lead to shared laughter. Others emphasize how high stress levels and social pressures of adulthood may contribute to a decrease in laughter as people contend with the challenges of daily life.
Rather than trying to identify the reason adults laugh less than children, I want to emphasize how and why laughter is so important for our health and well-being. It influences the way we feel, think, and live. It truly is a form of medicine.
My hope is that, after being reminded of the power of laughter, we all might choose to return to the cheerful state once experienced in childhood.
1.) Laughter affects the way we feel
Laughter begins in the brain, specifically in the regions associated with humor, reward, and emotion.
Each genuine laugh encourages our bodies to release endorphins, often referred to as the “feel-good” hormones. At the same time, laughing reduces stress hormones such as cortisol. This dual effect helps to alleviate tension and promote relaxation, leading to a calmer state of mind.
Endorphins not only elevate mood but – believe it or not – also act as natural painkillers. It’s actually rather incredible – endorphins act at various points along our neural pathways to reduce the transmission of pain signals, effectively dampening the sensation of pain. In some cases, laughter has even been found to reduce the perception of pain.
Research also suggests that laughter can have a positive impact on the immune system. The release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters during laughter may help to enhance immune function by increasing the production of immune cells and antibodies. This boost to the immune system can potentially strengthen our body’s ability to fight off infections and illnesses.
So, laughter serves as a natural stress reliever, pain reliever AND immune system booster. Isn’t that amazing??
2.) Laughter affects the way we think
Especially as a Type A woman, I can tend to beat myself up when I mess up. I have a feeling many of you can relate. Why do we do this though?? We’re human, of course we make mistakes!
On the Faithful Workouts App, I led a challenge called “Love Yourself Healthy.” One of the days is dedicated to the importance of laughing at ourselves. In the video below, I share some personal anecdotes about times I chose to laugh instead of getting upset at myself.
Maintaining a sense of humor in difficult situations can provide a valuable coping mechanism, allowing us to face adversity with a lighter heart and a clearer mind.
Laughter reminds us that even in embarrassing and dark moments, there is still light and laughter to be found.
3.) Laughter affects the way we live
I love the ways laughter is described throughout Scripture. It’s described as having the power to lift the spirits of the downtrodden, soothe the wounds of the heart, and bring comfort to the weary soul.
It is a gift from God, given to those who trust and love Him.
“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter
and your lips with shouts of joy.”
Job 8:21
Job, a righteous man who did good in the eyes of the Lord, endured some serious hardships. Seriously – if you don’t know his story, I HIGHLY recommend reading the book of Job in the Bible. Read the first chapter here. Instead of cursing God when faced with trials, he praises God. And in return, God gives him the gift of laughter.
The reason laughter is such a powerful gift is because of its transformative nature.
A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22
In this proverb, King Solomon is explaining how a person’s attitude affects a person’s health. An attitude of joy is key to experiencing a healthy and fulfilling life.
I pray that, no matter the difficult circumstances you face, the Lord strengthens you to walk through each one with a cheerful heart. May our laughter be a testimony to the joy and hope we have in Christ!
What is one way you will begin to incorporate laughter into your day?
