An old man went to the doctor complaining that his wife could hardly hear. The doctor suggested a test to find out the extent of the problem. “Stand far behind her and ask her a question, and then slowly move up and see how far away you are when she first responds.” The old man was excited to finally have a solution for the problem. He runs home and sees his wife preparing supper. ” Honey” the man asks standing around 20 feet away “What's for supper?” After receiving no response he tried it again 15 feet away, and again no response. Then again at 10 feet away and again no response. Finally he was 5 feet away “Honey what's for supper?” She replies, “For the fourth time it’s lasagna!”
That was a good laugh. Wasn't it?
Yes. Laughter- a very powerful weapon, which has the strong ability to make you feel light and fluffy. Kids can laugh at anything and everything. They only need the slightest trigger and their giggles burst out. But we adults are a little more serious species. Too busy wondering what others will think, weighing the pros and cons in each situation.
Today, with the kind of stressful life we are living and the amount of negativity that we keep hearing all around us, we need to find more and more reasons to smile, chuckle and laugh. We all know that laughter has immense therapeutic value and best of all... it's absolutely free and totally within our control.
Then why don't we do it more often?
Let us remind ourselves of the benefits of laughter. It means a lot when people say that "Laughter is the best medicine." It can help and heal you in all aspects of your life and personality. We would briefly consider each one.
Physically: it relieves tension and stress, which helps to relax your muscles. It also improves your immunity and prevents heart disease. It keeps you looking younger and adds years to your life. Wow! Who doesn't want that?
Mentally / emotionally / socially:
a good laugh adds joy and enthusiasm to your life. Look at the funny side of something and it will definitely defuse your anger and resolve the conflict. It will help to enhance your mood and improve your self-control. It strengthens relationships and teamwork becomes more valuable. Then holding bitter grudges will look stupid and pointless.
All these priceless advantages of laughter cost nothing and are completely in our own hands, waiting to be grabbed and benefitted from. Aren't we fools not to make use of it more often?
We began with a laugh and let's end as well with a sizzling crackle.
A few old couples used to get together to talk about life and have a good time. One day, Harry started talking about this fantastic restaurant he went to with his wife. “Really?”, one of the men asked, "What’s it called?" After thinking for a few seconds, Harry said, “What are those good smelling flowers called?” “Do you mean a rose?" the first man questioned. “Yes that’s it,” Harry exclaimed. Looking over at his wife he said, “Rose, what’s that restaurant we went to the other night?”
Shamim Merchant, Mumbai.
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