Why A Good Belly Laugh Is What You Need Today

When did you last have a good belly laugh? It’s definitely time.

We are living in a scary era right now where a little levity can go a long way. The phrase “laughter is the best medicine” is commonly stated but is it true? Do you laugh often? Do you feel better after a good belly laugh? I do.

Have you ever been in a situation where you absolutely cannot stop laughing even when you know it is inappropriate? Do you find that those times are some of your best memories?

When I was about 12-years old, Aunt Jo and I got ice cream at Drosso’s in Greenport, NY. As we walked back to the car, my entire ice cream fell out of the cone. The vanilla swirl plopped on a woman’s foot just as she was passing by me.

The woman pretended she didn’t notice and kept walking with the ice cream on top of her foot! It eventually slid off a few steps later. We both busted out laughing so hard that we were literally doubled over and crying. My Aunt and I referred to that incident for years afterward. To this day, it conjures up a giggle for me.

According to a Mayo Clinic article, “Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.” (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/)

“Laughter is the best medicine” is used frequently and dates back many years. It is so common that there are debates as to its origination. Some people credit it to the Bible, while others believe it was coined by the American publisher Bennett Cerf. (https://imp.center/i/laughter-best-medicine-origin-meaning-explanation-importance-5148/)

Regardless, the phrase appears to be very true!

Whenever I find myself in stressful situations, I close my eyes and remember something funny. It works every time!

Likewise, I will never forget my first radiation treatment. It wasn’t very pleasant. Not knowing what to expect, I was so nervous. It definitely did not help that both technicians were male. I kept silently saying Hail Mary’s to get through it.

My friend Barbara had driven me to the appointment. When the treatment was finally over, I went out to the car and just wanted to cry my eyes out. Barbara, of course, asked, “how did it go?”

I started tearing up and telling her how two men that I did not know were manipulating my breasts to get them positioned at the right angle for the radiation. She immediately interrupted me and said, “Congratulations! You just had a threesome!”

This brought on a belly laugh that I so desperately needed! And, the next time I went for treatment, I almost giggled out loud when they positioned me because all I could think of was that I was having a threesome. Talk about taking the stress out of a situation! Thank God for Barbara always knowing what to say.

My mother used to joke and say, “Be sure and have the guy cut our pizza in six slices because we could never eat eight.” I’m betting that just brought a smile to your face. (Same goes for cake, btw.)

What silly phrases or jokes do you consistently remember? Why not pull them out the next time you are in a stressful situation? Have you ever tried it?

Laughter is free medicine. How can you beat that? You can enjoy it whether you are male or female, young or old. In my opinion, we need lots more of it, and especially now.

My Outwitting Life journey is filled with laughter. It has allowed me to accomplish some fairly ugly tasks. I’d much rather choose a good belly laugh over a sob session. Thank goodness I have a good sense of humor. Hopefully, you do too.

I Gotta run; it’s time I get my giggles on!