COMMUNITY VOICES

Smile and laugh, it’s good for you!

How often do you laugh? Do you know the benefits of laughing? Let me share.

When you laugh your lungs fill with oxygen which stimulates your heart and lung muscles. Laughter releases endorphins that make us feel happy and of course laughter can be very contagious. One day I heard my one-year-old nephew giggling, I didn’t know why, but his laugh amused me!

So many things happen in life that cause us not to feel gleeful. Laughter enhances our mental and emotional state and uplifts our mood. It can reduce tension, add joy and hope and make us feels good. It’s like medicine.

Smiling also makes you feel good, it helps the body to release stress. Smiling and laughing are a powerful duo that helps to make us feel better. Can you think of something right now that makes you grin and chuckle? I know I can and I’m laughing right now!

Due to the day-to-day stresses of life, sometimes I find myself going days without smiling or laughing. Everything feels so serious and tense. One day I tried intentionally walking around just keeping a smile on my face. My heart was sad, but I read somewhere that it helps uplift your mood.

After 10 minutes, I burst into laughter because I felt silly, but it was funny! The purpose of me doing that little exercise actually worked! You should try it! When you’re having a bad day, or the world seems not so

By LaTonya Thomas

friendly; put a smile on your face for as long as you can and see how you feel afterward. Smiling and laughing is good for you so be intentionally about making part of your daily routine!

LaTonya Thomas is the founder of Sweet Start Ministries. Her background is in hospitality and human resources. LaTonya is involved in the community and loves helping those around her.