Laughter Really is the Best Medicine (Seriously)

My very best friend has a laugh bordering legendary. I lovingly refer to it as her banshee cackle. Despite her extremely small stature, her laugh is strong, it’s shrill, and it carries (seriously, it’s like seeing a baby burp out a Buick).

Not surprisingly, her outbursts can cause quite the scene. Sometimes people get a little embarrassed and, although they laugh too, it’s often out of nerves – like a ‘don’t make any sudden moves’ kind of thing.

As for me, I revel in it, keeling over, tearing up, and gasping for air.

And, frankly, so should everyone else.

According to HelpGuide.org, laughter is good for the mind, body, and soul: it’s a mood-booster, an ab and shoulder workout, and a focus and productivity booster (take that crusty librarians!!). 

It’s also great to ward off the flu and other icky stuff, decreasing stress hormones and increasing immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies. 

And of course, laughter shows you’ve got heart (and a healthy one at that): it improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, lowering your risk for heart attack and other cardio problems.

So buck your stoic study habits and quit stockpiling cough syrup for the apocalypse. It’s time to chortle, chuckle, giggle and guffaw. You’ll thank yourself for it later (even if the disrupted bystanders don’t…)