JOIN USIt is said that he who laughs lasts. Laughter is indeed the best therapy for wellbeing of the body, mind and soul. In an article titled, ‘Laugh your way to good health,’ its author Nick Gallo writes, “Humour is a good medicine and can actually help keep you in good health.”
This ascription by the reno-wned graphics editor for several New York Times bestselling books, including ‘Our Dumb World,’ a parody of the standard desk atlas created by the staff of ‘The Onion,’ is in suppo-rt of many medical experts wh-o describe laughter as “inner jogging,” and good for a perso-n’s cardiovascular system. In comparing laughter to jogging, it can well be said that when a person laughs heartily, several body cells and tissues are at w-ork leading to temporary lowering of blood pressure, a decreased rate of breathing and a reduction in muscle tension.
What follows is a boost to the immune system, a decre-ase in the levels of stress hormones and an increase in the release of endorphins, the bod-y’s natural feel-good chemicals. From these, a sensation of “relaxed afterglow,” ensues that helps in feeling relaxed and recharged.
Laughter also comes to one’s aid when the world outside looks gloomy, as it can ha-ppen many a time. As Mark Twain said, “The human race has only one really effective weapon and that is laughter.” For, laughter can lighten burdens, ease out worries, lessen fears, supplement courage, eliminate doubts and provide the right attitude for optimism in life. When one is laughing after all, there can be no room for anxiety, sadness and anger.
Laughter therapy is thus a comprehensive cure that can reduce stress, increase energy, change perspectives, strengthen relationships and build bon-ds of friendship with the world around, enabling anyone to st-ay focused and accomplish more.
In addition, laughter, when combined with other positive attributes, becomes a powerful antidote to life’s many pitfalls. As Gallo concluded, “Laughter provides an enduring sense of humour and when combined with other inner resources suc-h as faith and optimism, acts as a potent force for better health and wellbeing.”
With so much power to heal and renew, laughter therapy is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, strengthening relationship and enhancing health and wellbeing, both physical and emotional.