Humor Has the Power to Heal

By Eileen Birch, Parish Nurse

“A cheerful heart is good medicine….” (Proverbs 17:22). Since the beginning of time, man has enjoyed the gift of humor, but only recently has much been written about the healing effects of laughter. We have not always understood its value.

Some of the positive effects of laughter are:

• It activates healing chemicals (endorphins) within the body.
• It has an anesthetic (pain-killing) effect.
• It is a stress reducer.
• It releases built-up tension.
• It enhances our will to live and fight (we are not victimized by situations which we can laugh at).
• It is an internal aerobic workout.

Have the courage to recognize the healing power of humor and laughter in your life. Be wise enough to step back from yourself and listen to that still quiet voice within, which says, “In all things acknowledge Him and He will make the crooked path straight.”