The Bible has much to say about joy and laughter. It is closely tried to joy because the feeling of joy can promote laughter.It is often said that "Laughter is the best medicine," and its true! laughter releases stress,improves your mood,boosts immunity and can ever relieve pain. Prov.15:13 "A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance,but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken." 17:22 " A cheerful heart is a good medicine,but a downcast spirit dries up the bones." Job.8:21 "He will yet fill your mouth with laughter,and your lips with shouts of joy." All the verses shows the importance and benefit of laughing.
There is an ancient Indian saying "people who laugh more,live more".The real importance of its content,however has been recognised only recently. Laughter is is the spice and essence of life.It is a strong and effective antidote to stress and related sickness. In fact, it is the best tonic required to survive in the rat race today.
Laughter reduces the effects of tension, and depression.Pain and stress induce muscle tension, but laughter causes muscle relaxation. There is physiological evidence to demonstrate that laughter triggers the brain to release catecholamine hormones, leading to the release of endocrines that diminish pain.On the psychological level, laughter helps an individual to change the climate of distress. It is a strong distraction from negative emotions.
Laughter indirectly reduces stress by improving relationships in many ways.When interpersonal relations strained a dose of humour can dramatically reduce the seriousness of a problematic situations. There is the additional bonus of shortening interpersonal distance. Have you not noticed that it is far easier for a person with a sense of humour to make friends.Further, humour is perhaps the best method of dealing with an erratic superior as it keep away stress caused by his unpredictable behaviour.
Detachment,relaxation and laughter ingrained in the theory and practice of ancient Indian Psycho-philosophical systems,are effective and time-tested techniques to prevent or underplay emotional stress and strain.Sad to say,their full potential has not yet been realised by those who can and need to benefit from them.Curiously,the average Indian laughs only a little at situations,only rarely at himself,and tends to become a stoic at the core.The englishman however,is a master of the art and has reaped immense benefits in his political,commercial,social and academic life.
The three ingredients of the theory referred to earlier however,are not sufficient palliatives to remove stress or strain in tote,but only serve as pointers to stress reduction.They need to be accompanied and buttressed by the necessary and effective social support network,a positive work environment,good interpersonal relationships,and the practice of yoga and meditation,all of which will pay rich dividends in the long run.
In short laughter boost the immune system.It decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies,thus improving your resistance to disease.Laughing intensely for an hour can burn as many calories as lifting weight for 30 minutes,scientists have found -It causes the heart to beat faster,sending large amount of blood around the body.Laughter could be healthy for your heart,there is an increase in oxygen-rich blood flow in your body,possibly due to the release of endorphins, which create a chemical rush that counters negative feelings and stress.
It is with good reason that "Readers Digest carries a feature entitled 'Laughter',the best medicine in every issue,since this medicine is abundantly available without cost,why not avail of it in greater doses ?