The Roman philosopher Seneca said back in around 60 A.D., “It is more fitting for a man to laugh at life than to lament over it.” The philosopher also added, “No one is laughable who laughs at himself.”
Humour is an important part of life; I cannot go through a day without laughing. However, I have been told that my sense of humour is shallow and at times, corny. That is just a matter of someone’s opinion and not a fact that I will accept. I find that laughter is a vital part of making us happy, alive and energised. Have you ever laughed so hard that your whole body convulses into a fit of laughter— you shake, your facial muscles and abdominals start to ache? Yes you know what I am talking about. That is the same reaction I get when I watch a Mel Brooks film even though I have seen his films over a dozen times.
They say laughter is the best medicine. I agree and there have been studies in which laughter has been used as a part of therapy and it helped patients recover from major illnesses. Laughter is contagious; when you hear someone with a silly laugh, you end up having a little giggle too. Laughter has been linked to lower blood pressure, reduced stress, release of endorphins, increased immune cells and improved resistance to diseases. Oh and did I mention that it gives you a really hard abs workout?
Before you go around town carrying on and hysterically laughing and feeling good all around, I just need you to be mindful when you are out in public as there are proper rules and conduct that the general public adheres to. Laughing in the middle of a church service, that is a no. Laughing at a funeral is a bit insensitive and unacceptable. During an exam at school, while in consultation with a doctor, or walking through security in the airport, laughing is not appropriate in these situations.
The take away message is not to take yourself so seriously. Once in a while, have a giggle at yourself and reframe some of the things that have happened to you. Use laughter as a tool to learn and move on, to break tension and to improve your well-being. Use laughter to brighten someone else’s day.
Until next time, STAY FOCUSED!
(For comments or feedback, email thadmangalino@gmail.com)
