Did you know every human being has an inbuilt medicinal power that can activate actual healing in our bodies?

The philosopher Friedrich Niche saw this power as something unique to humans, something no other creature possesses but which enables us to overcome the suffering of being.

This healing power that most people are unaware of (even though it’s all around us) is simply this: laughter. If you haven’t done it before, Google the “health benefits of laughter.” You will find a ton of medical literature talking about everything from immune system enhancement to endorphin release in the brain (the more endorphins you got going, the more pleasure).

The ancient Israelite King Solomon wasn’t kidding when he wrote, “A cheerful heart is good medicine…” (Proverbs 17:22). So, what was the last time you laughed? As in, throat-starts-to-ache, lungs-might-collapse, life-flashing-before-my-eyes type of laughter? OK, it doesn’t have to be that hard. But hopefully, this is something you experience often. Because it turns out, in our battle with anxiety, with melancholic thoughts, with cynicism and the proverbial “taking-ourselves-too-seriously” trap that we all fall into – laughter is one of our best allies. So the challenge for today is simple: Laugh! I can be a TV Show that cracks you up, a favorite comedian, a friend who lightens your energy, a pet who brightens up your world, or a photo album that takes you back to hilarious moments.

Whatever it might be, don’t go to bed tonight without having a good old belly laugh. The science fiction writer, S. Spencer Baker put it best when he said, “Laughter is the antidote to existential pain.” And hey, if you are up for it, share your laughter experience with the Thriving community! Just tag #thrivingwithanxietyperth