“The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.” – E. E. Cummings

Is it just me? Or does it seem like the wiser we get, the more truth we discover in some of the anecdotes and sayings we’ve heard most of our lives? Take “Laughter is the best medicine,” for example. More and more medical studies are proving that sage advice to be true. So why not take the hint and lighten up?

It has been proven time and time again that laughter acts as an effective cure for combating personal challenges, stress and other conflicts that arise. A simple laugh can instantly bring body and mind back into balance no matter what the circumstances. And less stress equates to better health – both mental and physical.

What’s more, when you laugh with a friend or even in a group of people, it inspires a sense of companionship and has been proven to bring people together while triggering positive physical changes in the body that can actually strengthen the immune system, lessen pain and offer an antidote to stress. And the best part about this “instant medication” that can cure so much of what we’re dealing with? It requires no prescription and doesn’t cost a cent.

Adding more laughter to your life might seem like a no-brainer. But these days, our happiness can be challenged by many different things (like watching the evening news, for example). For a change, why not turn the bad news off and turn the corners of your mouth up? After all, smiling is where laughter begins – and has also proven to be contagious.

Even though complaining about circumstances with friends often seems like therapy, try turning the depression on its ear by asking a question like, “What’s the funniest thing that happened to you last week?” Often changing the mood from sour to happy is simply a matter of perspective that we have complete control over (if we choose to take control that is).

A Few Of Laughter’s Many Benefits:

Laughter is a wellness provider. Not only can laughter ease anxiety and fear, it has been proven to reduce pain, relax muscles and even help prevent heart disease.

Laughter gives you immune system a push in the right direction. Medical studies have shown that laughter can decrease stress hormones while increasing infection-fighting antibodies.

Laughter makes your heart healthier. Laughter can improve blood vessel functions, which increases healthy flow (meaning less potential for cardiovascular trouble).

Laughter turns mood swings back in the right direction. Humor not only makes challenges seem less daunting, it also helps us be more focused and alert.

Laughter can act as your own personal matchmaker. A state of happiness builds relationships, attracts others to us, aids in ending conflicts and encourages bonding between strangers.

Here are some helpful links for turning any frown upside-down:

For a “Laughter is the best medicine video,” click here

To find out more about how laughter works, click here

To learn more about improving the body through laughter, click here

Do you have various ways that you stay cheerful no matter what you’re facing during your day? If so, please share your tips by commenting below. I promise not to laugh at any ideas you share. Oh, wait – no, I don’t! I actually hope to laugh… And hope you do, as well.