Learn From Obama’s Laughter – Humor Helps and Heals

All this talk lately about President Obama laughing too much is really cracking me up. Doesn't anyone realize how important humor is, especially when times are bad? We could all use a little lightening up, or as I call it - enlightening! Laughter helps release the tension. It helps us cope. It helps us heal. It helps us realize that every situation in life is temporary, and as such, it will eventually pass.

I remember reading once about a man who was diagnosed with a terminal illness. He decided to rent a hotel room for however long he needed and only watch funny movies. At the end of his stay, he was cured.

Hanging around someone who can find humor in any situation and make you laugh is fun because it helps take your mind off your own problems. Ellen Degeneres once did a monologue on "The Ellen Show" about a fortune cookie she opened with the message, "It makes you happy to make people happy." She went on to say how she gets hundreds of letters from people telling her that they love watching her show because it makes them laugh and that makes them happy.

Laughter gives you a much needed emotional release in the most stressful of situations. Have you ever had the urge to laugh uncontrollably at the most inappropriate times - a funeral, hospital or accident? I've been there, done that. Even when the big picture is ugly, you can always find isolated moments that are funny, and those are the moments that are healing. Scientific studies show that laughter can alleviate stress and boost the immune system by releasing endorphins in the brain.

A little laughter will help lighten the darkest of days. So, give yourself permission to laugh as often as you like.

Laugh on, Mr. President!.