“Always laugh when you can, it is cheap medicine.” – Mark Twain
You might have noticed this quote hovering amidst the screens around the school several weeks ago. As it states, laughter is most definitely an instant cure for any situation at no expense at all. Whether it’s a giggle when your friend tickles you or a hearty belly laugh when sharing a few jokes over lunch-time, laughter really does heal the soul.
Besides bringing happiness to someone, this free medicine can also improve immunity and diminish stress hormones. Types of laughter therapy are becoming prevalent, including laughter yoga and parties. Although it may make you feel uncomfortable to burst out into the giggles while sitting around in a circle with people you don’t necessarily know well, it’s worth it. The benefits of this therapy range from stimulating the creative mind and improving memory to instigating the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.
So every day, remember to take some time to crack a grin with someone you care about. Even when schoolwork is piling a mountain on top of you or you didn’t succeed on that AP Physics test, know that there are always little rainbows in every rain cloud. All you have to do is look for them.
By: Elisa Sung