"The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.
-Henry Ward Beecher
Health Benefits of Laughter
In 2001 there were two studies that showed that a "good laugh" can strengthen your immune system. In one, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, scientist exposed 26 people to allergens which produced allergy symptoms and then let them view a 90-minute Charlie Chaplin film. The allergy symptoms were reduced in all 26 subjects for four hours after the video. The other study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, looked for an increase in immune function through laughter. 52 healthy men watched an hour-long comedy video. They were measured before, during, and after the video for immunity markers like their T cell counts. It was discovered that just one hour of laughter boosted their immune function for up to 12 hours. Experts say that stress reduction seems to be the key for a stronger immune system, and even a few hearty chuckles a day can do wonders to lower stress. These studies support the belief that laughter can be a good antibiotic and humor can help fight germs.
"And these things we write to you that your joy be full."(1John 1:4)
Day 14 Let's Review What We've Learned
- Read or review of the week's five devotionals
- Read out loud each of the five declarations at the end of the devotionals
Questions
- Which of the five devotionals spoke to you in the greatest way? Why?
- What one sentence from the five devotionals stood out to you the most? Why did this speak to you?
- How did you do with last week's steps to increase your strength through joy?
- What two or three steps can you take this week to move forward in strengthening your life through joy?
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