BEYOND IMAGININGS

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed." And another ... "Don't take your life too seriously, you'll never get out of it alive."

There are numerous ways to 'escape' today's age of  computers and high technology, strict deadlines, long work hours, long commutes, and stiff competition in all areas of life.  (All can lead to a number of other ailments prevalent in today's society: divorce, taxes, illness, and death.) Take a drive in the country, listen to peaceful music, practice a craft or hobby, take part in sports, or enjoy a good meal. The list of 'fixes' for these maladies is endless. During all, we use our main five senses: hearing, seeing, feeling, tasting, and touching. Yet, those five senses are not enough to fill a life with good health, good company, and lifted spirits. One of a myriad of other 'sixth senses' - laughter, our 'sense' of humor - is ideal, even essential, because laughter enhances those other five senses.

How we laugh, and what we laugh at is the way we view our world.

The benefits of laughter are so many that we cannot touch on all of them here. It touches all areas of life, from reducing anxiety, stress and pain - to boosting the immune system and exercising those parts of the body used, for instance, the abdominal muscles during a good hearty belly laugh!; and since everyone loves a good laugh, it helps to build better relationships, and fosters stronger bonds between people, even strangers.  Everyone is attracted to a good sense of humor.

It has been said that a person without a sense of humor is like a car without shock absorbers. Laughter can 'open up' an introvert, allowing pent-up feelings to be set free. The tension and inhibition associated with shyness can melt away after a good hearty bout of laughter. When we good-naturedly laugh at or make fun of ourselves, or others, it can disempower bullies and de-fuse potential confrontations - as both feed on fear and powerlessness.

During times of stress, crisis, or anguish, laughter can helps us to perceive ourselves and our environment in a different light. Low moods are lifted after finding humor even under difficult and frustrating circumstances. Humor creates a connection between loneliness in one, and cheerfulness in another. Finding a way to laugh about a seemingly insurmountable problem can help us to see the problem in a different light, allowing it to seem less intimidating and more manageable.

Both sides of our brains work in unison more when we laugh, as one side plays a role in the deciphering, and the other in the interpretation, of a funny incident or joke. The resulting 'good feeling' we get remains long after the incident or joke has faded.

Laughter reduces stress by allowing natural pain killers to be released into the body - endorphins and adrenaline. This in turn produces a 'natural high', which helps us have that good feeling about ourselves. Our creativity and memories are enhanced during these 'natural highs.' We are more open to new things and ideas, fostering innovation and artistry.

Advertisers, teachers, and parents have all found the use of humor effective in their methods for attracting customers, retaining student attention, and disciplining their children. We retain information longer, and learn thing easier, when something funny is associated with it.

"Laughter activates the chemistry of the will to live and increases our capacity to fight disease. Laughing relaxes the body and reduces problems associated with high blood pressure, strokes, arthritis, and ulcers. Some research suggests that laughter may also reduce the risk of heart disease." - from a University of Maryland Medical Center study.

A sense of humor can help the inevitable challenges of life be much easier to handle, and you come out of it with a big smile on your face.

The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze.

So, laugh throughout your day - to keep the doctor at bay!