Cup of Inspiration

Today, February 8^th, is Laugh and Get Rich Day. Today we remember the importance of laughter and the impact it can have on our health. As we know, a person’s health is more important than the size of their bank account. Have you ever heard the phrase “Health is wealth”?

Laughter can improve a person’s life in several ways. We know it improves mental health. While a good laugh does not make an unpleasant situation go away, it can help relieve some stress.

Having a tough time at work? Have you ever sat in the breakroom with coworkers while everyone talks about a ridiculous new policy? It may not make the unpleasant situation disappear, but that shared laughter with fellow coworkers helps bring down any stress, at least by a notch.

Going through a medical procedure? I remember years ago, while undergoing cancer treatment, being able to laugh with others about anything related to a procedure helped ease the tension. For example, we kidded about having a “no hair day” to laugh off the discomfort of losing our hair due to chemotherapy. Laughing did not make it all better, but it provided a few much-needed moments of feeling closer to normal.

Laughter does not just help our mental health. According to an article I found on WebMD (Laughter Really Is Good for the Heart, Study Finds (webmd.com)), a study found participants who watched two hours of comedies showed improvement in their cardiovascular health over those who watched serious dramas during the same time period. Laughter helped reduce inflammation, which could help a patient eventually cut back on heart medications. Experiencing a good laugh does not just help a person’s mood but can also provide some benefit to their physical health.

Today, do yourself as well as those around you a great favor. Share a funny joke with the coworker who is stressing out about a new project. Send a funny line to the friend looking for a job. Share a funny video with the family member dealing with a health issue. While you are at it, treat yourself to something that just makes you smile and forget your troubles, if only for a moment. Those laughs will not only help improve everyone’s mood but can also help improve their well-being.