Laughter as Medicine

Humor is important for survival. No. It's not a joke.

Emotions affect metabolism. Laughter changes hormones and other brain signals in ways we still do not understand.

Part of recovery from grief involves laughter and tears. Both are releases that improve brain clarity and invite calmness. The same with vacations — assuming we don’t take our work and worry with us.

Part of relating with others involves humor. We are more likely to laugh to the point of tears around friends and loved ones when we are happy and relaxed. And part of being able to relax involves trust. It’s called “letting our hair down,” which is really funny if you don’t have much or any hair.

One of my favorite activities are board games, card games, dominos, anything that gets people around a table or in a circle for some silly activity that draws out our inner children.

So, you have some holiday time before you. Make sure you play some games and laugh your head off. It’s good for your health.