Have a Holiday Laugh

There is nothing better than a good laugh

Have you ever laughed so hard you had to catch your breath, or had tears streaming down your face? Laughter is natural, just check online for videos of babies laughing, and see for yourself, there is no shortage of spontaneous laughter which will inevitably make you smile, and probably laugh.  There is nothing better than a good laugh, especially with friends, family, and those you love! During the holidays it’s easy to let ourselves become stressed out, wrapped up in the hustle & bustle, and lose the true joy that can be had during the holiday season, and this can be an especially challenging time for locums providers who are traveling or away from their loved ones caring for patients.

Laughter is more than a quick pick me up!

Laughing decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and antibodies, therefore improving your resistance to disease.  We change physiologically when we laugh, we stretch muscles in our face and body, expand our lungs, engage the chest and abdomen muscles, our pulse and blood pressure go up, and we breathe faster sending more oxygen to our tissues.  Laughter also triggers the release of potent feel good beta-endorphins, helps to cope with difficult situations, connecting with other people, improving your mood, and is good for your long-term health. Laughter can help lessen depression, anxiety, increase person satisfaction, and just make you feel happier in general, promoting an overall sense of well-being.

Laugh Everyday!

If you can find reasons to laugh every day, you will probably find that your relationships with others will seem more meaningful, you will have more collaborative teamwork, life’s challenges won’t seem so impossible, your mood is sure to improve, and you will reap the benefits of a natural and free medicine that we all have access to.  How great is that!?

The Best Gift

Laughter and smiling are generally intended as messages of good will, engaging in both could lend to the idea that we each individually contribute and increase peace on earth and good will toward others in our every-day lives, especially during the holidays.  Laughing might be the most contagious of all emotional experiences, so, while you are out there practicing medicine this Holiday Season, give the gift of the best medicine, laughter, and catch some yourself!