Being cheerful keeps you healthy. 

It is slow death to be gloomy all the time. 

(Proverbs 17:22 GNT)

One Star Trek episode has the Starship Enterprise crew in a struggle onboard their own ship. All advanced weapons are disabled and they are forced into a frightening and angering kind of hand to hand combat. To add insult to injury, whoever gets killed is resurrected only to fight and die again.

The unseen enemy is an alien life form that gains strength and life force whenever there is conflict and fear. The Enterprise crew have been taken over by a mind control beast that keeps them at odds with each other. Finally, the ship’s doctor injects every crew member with something that gives them peace and happiness. Their laughter starves the beast and it jumps ship. 

God already knew what Captain Kirk’s character finally learned; laughing will dispel the enemy. 

When my ship crashed by the lack-of-life adrenal fatigue alien, I discovered the #1 tip for Adrenal Fatigue was to laugh as often as possible since this increases the parasympathetic supply to the adrenals. 

But what about an invasive species as serious as cancer? Interestingly enough, on one website of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America is a list of physical benefits of laughter therapy:

• Boost the immune and circulatory systems
• Enhance oxygen intake
• Stimulate the heart and lungs
• Relax muscles throughout the body
• Trigger the release of endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers)
• Ease digestion/soothes stomach aches
• Relieve pain
• Balance blood pressure
• Improve mental functions (i.e., alertness, memory, creativity)

Laughter therapy may also help to:

• Improve overall attitude
• Reduce stress/tension
• Promote relaxation
• Improve sleep
• Enhance quality of life
• Strengthen social bonds and relationships
• Produce a general sense of well-being

“Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand.”

Now Father, I know You inhabit the praises of  Your covenanted ones so I release my heart’s joy in celebration of triumph as I watch the enemies of health flee from my body! (Psalm 68:1)

I’ve thrown myself headlong into your arms—

I’m celebrating your rescue.

I’m singing at the top of my lungs,

I’m so full of answered prayers.

(Psalm 13:5)

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