As we enter the fourth week of Washington’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” mandate, we have consumed an overwhelming amount of news and streaming media to stay informed and pass the time. MIPoPS invites you to take a break from the noise with the healing power of laughter.

For this week’s Virtual Moving History, MIPoPS presents laugh-out-loud treasures we’ve uncovered from local archives. An eclectic collection of clips full of ’90s nostalgia, bloopers, sketch comedy, bizarre local commercials and goofy animated classics (Big Red will be joining us)!

Did you know? According the Mayo Clinic, “Laughter isn’t just a quick pick-me-up. It’s also good for you over the long term. Laughter may:

• Improve your immune system. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. By contrast, positive thoughts can actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses.
• Relieve pain. Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers.
• Increase personal satisfaction. Laughter can also make it easier to cope with difficult situations. It also helps you connect with other people.
• Improve your mood. Many people experience depression, sometimes due to chronic illnesses. Laughter can help lessen your depression and anxiety and may make you feel happier.”