CONGREGATIONAL CARE COMMITTEE
CCC
Laugh A Lot

It is the summer season and time for summer fun. “Just for the health of it.” This column focuses on the therapeutic effects of laughter. Laughter is part of our nature. We are, “ho ho holistic” beings. Here are the positive, P.E.P.S.I.-E., effects of laughter.

Physically, a good laugh exercises the shoulders, chest, and diaphragm. It increases oxygen, which replenishes and invigorates the cells. Laughter also burns calories, releases endorphins that increase alertness, decreases pain and boosts immunization.

Emotionally, laughter helps us cope with what happens in ourselves. It helps us control negative feelings and reduces anger, sadness and fears.

Psychosocially, laughter is a universal language. It is the “shortest distance between people” and is a part of the “glue that holds us together.” It helps strangers share, eases conflicts and decreases boredom.

Spiritual health’s relationship to laughter is described by human therapist, Scott Burton, who says, “Laughter is a glimpse of the passion that exists in our lives. It is that passion, that deep love and embracing of life, that cures both our bodies and our souls.”

Intellectually, laughter helps us to refocus and to see things in perspective. If we can see the ridiculous in a situation, we can bring it down to size.

There is a poem that starts, “Smiling is infectious, and you can catch it like the flu!” This summer let’s catch every smile, turn it into full blown laughter and infect the world!

Happy summer,

Shirley Atkinson, RN, P.N.

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