Value Of Laughter

Modern life is stressful. It is fast-paced, full of distractions and it might appear like there is always something we need to worry about. And in this chaos, we end up forgetting to do one crucial thing – laugh.

Seems menial, doesn’t it? The need to laugh. It does not even cross our minds. We need to have an occasion to laugh. Someone must tell us a really good joke or something good must happen to us. Even then, many of us make do with a simple smile. Laughing, it seems, has become an exception, which is sad because it can be a tool to enhance our physical and mental well-being and give us a happier existence.

Whether a hearty chuckle, a lively giggle or a boisterous guffaw, laughter is a great stress reliever. When we laugh, our bodies release the feel-good hormones called endorphins that relax and give us a sense of happiness. A genuine laugh can provide a respite from the tension and pressures of everyday life, serving as an oasis in the middle of the desert where we can recharge and gain perspective. By enabling laughter, or in some cases, allowing ourselves to, we can cultivate a healthier approach to stress management and do wonders for our mental and emotional health, without any external intervention. In simple words, laughing puts us in charge of our happiness. 

Similarly, laughter has been shown to boost resilience. Humour provides us with an escape during times of adversity and hardship and can also act as a coping mechanism. When we laugh in the face of challenges, those challenges do not seem as daunting. The ability to find a reason to laugh when encountering a metaphorical storm not only helps us keep everything together but also inspires others around us to do the same. Laughter makes us both useful to ourselves and our friends and family.

Laughter prevents difficult situations from overwhelming us and gives us the optimism to be able to overcome them. It keeps us from quitting out of fright or hopelessness.

Laughter has also been shown to unlock creativity and innovation. When we are happy, we become playful which pushes us to try new things and explore possibilities. That is why children are so much more creative than adults. 

We can tap into our innate ingenuity if we laugh more. Whether it is a brainstorming session, group project or an individual problem-solving endeavour, introducing laughter into the environment fosters innovation and boosts morale. And this, in turn, strengthens social connections.

Laughter has the remarkable ability to break down barriers, dissolve tension and create a sense of comradery among individuals. To laugh is to partake in the universal language of joy that gives our peers the impression that we enjoy their company and value their presence. This is why, at least in Nepali culture, we give off a slight smile if we notice someone coming towards us or looking in our direction, even if that person is a total stranger. Greeting someone with a frown is not polite. 

Additionally, laughter has a profound impact on our physical health. The act of laughing stimulates our cardiovascular system, increasing blood flow. There have been claims that laughter can also strengthen the immune system, improve pain tolerance and reduce hypertension. Laughter truly is the best medicine. 

In this world, the good does not always outweigh the bad. But it is crucial that we not lose ourselves to the negativity and actively seek opportunities for mirth. We may all have different ways of inducing laughter. Some of us may choose to watch comedy shows or movies and others may read humorous literature. We may also enjoy sharing jokes with friends or find happiness in physical activities. These days, there are establishments that offer ‘laughter therapy’ and ‘laughter yoga’ too. However, it is advisable to carry out thorough research and consult health professionals before choosing to join them.

Embracing laughter brings joy to our individual lives and allows us to spread positivity. Let us not forget this. Let us embrace this precious gift and use it to cultivate an environment of joy, empathy and resilience. Letting ourselves laugh permits those around us to do the same. A happy us enables us to make a happy world. So, let the sound of laughter resonate.