By Dr Birbal Jha*
Let’s celebrate Laughter Day, which falls on the first Sunday of May. That is to say, 5th May of this year. But why mark a day? It reminds us to value it. It reminds us of its place in our life. Doesn’t it remind us that it is yogic exercise and we should do it as often as possible every day? Everybody is born with the quality and ability to cry, chuckle, chortle, smile, grin, or laugh.
According to an English saying, ‘Laughter is the best medicine’. It suggests that laughing is an excellent way to recover from a physical injury, mental stress or emotional breakdown. Stress eats into us. Laughter feeds us and relaxes our body. Let’s remember the fact that laughter has no accent. It has no language and no grammar. It is innate. It does not cost anything either. Be laughing. Have no worries. It works wonders.
Honestly speaking, I have had hands-on experiences with how a laughter session after my daily constitutional at the park keeps me recharged throughout the day. It recharges my batteries. It gives me vim and vigour. It stimulates me. It burns my calories. It reactivates all the sense organs. It gives me a kick. It gives me a buzz.
How does it unfold? A group of morning walkers sit together on benches under the blue sheet with the first rays of the sun and begin bantering with each other. Some use one-liners or couplets with dual meanings. They open up. Next to that, what happens is a Sher-O-Shayari session, which spices it up. It helps all of us bust out laughing. Everybody has a belly laugh. Every participant tries to raise a laugh. Nobody forces a smile or a laugh. It is natural. The beauty of the park remains eye-catching. Thus, we perk up in the park. Laughter brings people together and strengthens relationships.
Everything is there for a laugh! Just for fun! Every pun is for fun. Hence, nobody takes offence. It may seem to you—it is to laugh. But then, they all have a hearty laugh. They never have any petty thoughts. No pettiness! No smallness! No touchy-feeling! Active participation results in participants’ faces glowing and shining.
They don’t just split their sides. At times, they seem to be splitting their guts. Every joke is intended to have us rolling in the aisle. Nobody laughs at others. Nobody is treated as a laughing stock. They all chuckle, smile, and laugh with each other. They laugh away any faux pas. They die laughing in the morning just to be laughing throughout the day.
Laughter stimulates our immune system, improves our mood, relieves pain, and protects us from the negative consequences of stress. It calms the entire body. It causes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormones. Endorphins improve overall well-being and can even provide temporary pain relief. It protects the heart. It improves blood vessel function and boosts blood flow, potentially protecting us from a heart attack and other cardiovascular disorders. It might even help you live longer.
Laughter is a natural element of life that we are born with. Infants begin smiling in their early weeks of life and laugh aloud within a few months of birth. Even if you were not raised in a household where laughter was widespread, you can learn to laugh at any age.
Smiling is the beginning of laughter. A chuckle represents a higher degree. Don’t spend a day without laughing. Consider it like exercise or breakfast, and make an effort every day to find something that makes you laugh.
To summarise, laughter offers physical, mental, and social benefits. It increases immunity and lowers pain and stress hormones. It relaxes muscles and protects against heart disease. It instils energy and zest in life while reducing anxiety and tension. It enhances mood and boosts resilience. It fosters relationships, attracts people to us, and improves teamwork. It aids in dispute settlement and encourages group bonding.
*The writer is a noted author, accredited with having created a revolution in English training In India with the slogan ‘English for all’.
