The Benefits of A Daily Dose of Laughter
‘The most wasted of all days is one without Laughter.’…..E E Cummings
A good laugh is humanity’s weapon against almost anything.
A restorative that helps you deal with whatever comes your way, Laughter repairs and restores not just a broken heart but also a myriad of physical ailments.
A hearty laugh promotes social interaction, strengthens relationships and gets a cold environment to change to warm and friendly.
Laugh and live longer, didn’t come out of nowhere. Research has found that a good laugh lowers your blood pressure, improves sleep patterns, boosts your immune system and gives you a sense of wellbeing
Travelling in public transport, I’ve noticed that the best way to connect with a stranger is by sharing a laugh. Watching another laugh can put us in a good mood. Some of the strongest friendships I’ve had are with those whom I’ve shared a good laugh. Laughter makes people feel more connected and comfortable with each other.
Hugh Sidey says ‘Joy in ones heart and some laughter on ones lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life’.
So when did you last have a good belly laugh?
Life can be stressful and you may not have opportunities to laugh daily — Reason good enough to make a resolve to inject yourself daily with a good dose of side-splitters.
A few tips on how you can get started
· Read a joke everyday, preferably in the morning.
Invest in a joke book or read the ‘funnies’ section in the newspaper. Breakfast and a Joke — is the best way to begin the day.
· Spend 15 minutes watching your favourite funny sitcom.
Not that I advocate TV watching, but to maintain optimum mental health, there is nothing better than 15 minutes of rib-tickling laughter. For me it’s the Big Bang Theory that keeps me in an upbeat mood. Figure out your favourite comedy show and trade your stresses for the merriment provided by those fictional characters.
· Pets represent a Panacea for laughter and joie de vivre.
Like balm on a burn, our four legged companions give us incredible amounts of health, happiness and laughter. If you can’t have a pet for various reasons-visit an animal shelter or befriend the neighborhood doggy or look at pictures of animals doing their antics, all of which will definitely induce a smile and boost your positive emotions
· Have a ‘Fun Stuff’ bank
Put together funny videos, short clips of stand up comics and funny sayings in your mailbox. Pull them out on days you feel like you need an extra laugh or send them to friends who could do with a smile.
· Have a playful frame of mind.
Life is fragile and there are enough things floating around to suck the joy out of life. To stay healthy would mean to see the funny side of life. Look for the funny happenings in everyday life. When things go wrong or the unexpected happens ……Reframe what you say to yourself and induce humour in everyday situations so that tension is out, and your mood perks up instantly.
· Spend time with people in whose company you laugh more.
A happy good natured attitude to life is an antidote for despair, fear and ill health. Find those who know how to create their own happiness. Being around them will energize you and uplift your spirits too.
So yes, Laughter is indeed a good Medicine, enhancing the lives of those that give and receive it. There is nothing more irresistible or contagious than a good laugh.
Is it any wonder then that ‘Hilarious’ is the new Wow!
