MULLIGRUBS, MULLIGRUBS, GO AWAY!

Happy Friday! How was your week? Did you thrive or barely survive?

At the risk of sounding pessimistic, I have to admit I barely survived. For some unknown reason, I had the mulligrubs.

According to the dictionary.com, mulligrubs means “ill temper; grumpiness.” Yep! That’s pretty much what defines my week.

We may not be able to control our situation, but one thing we can manage is our attitude. One way I combated my mood was to put myself in time-out and retreated to my “Happy Place.”

I have several spots in my home which bring a sense of serenity. One of them is my lanai, where I read my devotions, listen to music, study, and pray. Sometimes, I sit and rock.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, we read, there’s “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”

Medical science has proven that laughter is a powerful medicine for the mind and body and an antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert.

King Solomon discovered this truth many years ago: “A merry heart doeth good like medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).

In the same manner that medicine benefits the body, laughter also promotes physical and mental well-being. Scientists have proven laughter useful for physical, mental, and social well-being. Some examples are:

The Physical Health Benefits of Laughter:

· Laughter relaxes the whole body.

· Laughter boosts the immune system.

· Laughter triggers the release of endorphins.

· Laughter protects the heart.

Mental Health Benefits:

· Adds joy and zest to life.

· Eases anxiety and fear.

· Relieves stress.

· Improves mood.

· Enhances resilience.

Social Benefits:

· Strengthens relationships.

· Attracts others to us.

· Enhances teamwork.

· Helps defuse conflict.

· Promotes group bonding.

I’ve seen this concept proven to be accurate time and time again. Even if you are under a lot of stress, laughter will provide the strength you need to endure.

So, next time life appears to be spiraling out of control, find your happy place. Sit for a spell, smile, and watch those mulligrubs flee.

“Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing then said they among the heathen, The LORD has done great things for them.” – Psalm 126:2