Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Fitness : Laughter


Laughter is  a divine gift to man. He who can laugh, he can live long life – such is a hearsay has become popular. Laughter vivifies our body and mind. The age-old wisdom that says, laughter is the true indicator of happiness  in life. It the laughter that undoubtedly makes living a joyous treat.A good hearty laughter relieves physical tension and stress , leaving our muscles relaxed more  up to half an hour. It brings our mind and body back to balance.
The ability to laugh easily and frequently is a great power of heal from all tension, to surmount problem, and support our physical and emotional health. It decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection fighting antibodies , which improves our resistance to disease. It triggers the release of endropins  which promote a sense of good feeling, and well-being and can relieve pain temporarily. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow. It can help to protect us against a heart attack and cardiovascular problem.Noted neurologist Sigmund Freud said that laughter releases tension and ‘psychic energy’. Dr, William  Fry of Stamford University of Medicine, who dedicated many years to study laughter, describes laughter as a total body experience. All the major systems of the body ( muscles, nerves, brain, heart, digestive mechanism)  participate for laughing. Laughter adds joy and zest to our life, eases anticay and fear, improves mood, enhance resilience. Solidly it strengthens relationship, attracts others, enhances teamwork, helps to defuse conflict and promotes bonding.
We cannot feel anxious, angry or sad when we are laughing. It  increases energy enabling us to stay focused and accomplished some.If we want to develop habit laughter we have to develop the sense of humor. Some events are clearly sad and not occasion for laughter. But  most events in life don’t carry an overwhelming  sense of either sadness or delight. They fall into the gray zone of ordinary life and give us the choice to laugh or not. In that situation we can seek the chance of laughing. We have to look for humor in a bad situation, the irony and absurdity of life. This will help to improve our mood and the mood of others around us.
The ability to laugh, play and have fun with others makes life enjoyable. It also helps to be more active, manage stress, solve problem and connect with others. The most significant benefit of laughter is the spiritual and psychological comforting element in our life.