New Year, New You with Doctor Merryman

Start Your New Year with Joy and Vitality

Life can often feel overwhelming, with responsibilities piling up and stress becoming a constant companion. But here’s some good news: there’s a simple, natural way to improve your mental and physical health—laughter! Jonathan Swift, the famous writer, once said, “The best doctors in the world are Doctor Diet, Doctor Quiet, and Doctor Merryman.” Translation? Eating well, resting, and finding joy are all essential. And who doesn’t need more joy in their life?

Why Laughter is Actually Good for You

Laughter isn’t just what happens when you hear a funny joke or watch a hilarious movie. It’s like a secret superpower for your body and mind. When you laugh, your brain releases endorphins—those feel-good chemicals that make everything seem brighter. At the same time, it lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, helping your body focus on staying healthy and strong.

Laughter is also great for your heart. It improves circulation and helps your body use oxygen more effectively, which is fantastic for overall health. Plus, laughing can help you sleep better, manage pain, and feel less anxious. In many ways, it’s nature’s best medicine.

How Laughter Helps Your Mind

Jonathan Swift’s advice about humor as a cornerstone of health is timeless. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get bogged down by stress and worry. But laughter provides a way to rise above it.

When you share a laugh with friends or loved ones, it fosters a sense of connection and belonging. Those moments of shared joy strengthen relationships and remind us that we’re not alone. Even finding humor in your own mistakes can make life’s challenges feel more manageable. It’s about embracing a lighthearted perspective that helps you navigate difficulties with resilience and grace.

How to Add More Laughter to Your Life

Bringing more laughter into your day is easier than you might think. Here are some fun and simple ways to start:

1. Watch or Read Something Funny: Choose a comedy show, movie, or book that makes you laugh out loud.
2. Surround Yourself with Humor: Spend time with people who have a great sense of humor and love to laugh.
3. Be Playful: Don’t take life too seriously. Allow yourself to be silly and enjoy the moment.
4. Laugh at Yourself: Embrace imperfections and find humor in your own missteps. It’s liberating!
5. Try Laughter Yoga: This unique practice combines intentional laughter with breathing exercises to promote relaxation and joy.

On a personal note, I’ve found that it’s not just laughter itself that helps, but the small, everyday choices we make that support a happy, healthy mind. I’m a pharmacist, and while I love the science behind health, I’ve learned that mood boosters come from the simplest things—like eating well. I try to eat foods that genuinely help my mental health, such as omega-3-rich foods and local honey, which is loaded with B vitamins.

Another personal favorite? Spending time with my younger nieces and nephews. Honestly, kids have this magical way of making everything feel lighter. Their carefree energy, spontaneous giggles, and silly antics remind me to take life less seriously. Every time I play with them, I end up laughing so much that whatever stress I was carrying feels miles away.

In my experience, laughter doesn’t have to come only from watching comedies or cracking jokes—it can come from simply being around people who bring out the best in you, enjoying good food that fuels your body, or even taking a moment to pause and appreciate the little things in life.

Make This Year Happier

Jonathan Swift’s Doctor Merryman is a wonderful reminder that humor and joy are vital for a healthy, happy life. As you set your intentions for the new year, don’t forget to include laughter in your plans. Whether it’s sharing a joke with a friend, finding humor in everyday moments, or simply letting yourself laugh more often, this simple act can have a powerful impact on your well-being. So go ahead—smile, laugh, and make this year your happiest one yet!