Laugh

Last Sunday afternoon on the way home from Director’s Retreat I was casually listening to The Vinyl Café, which I often find at least mildly amusing should I happen to be travelling in the car at the right time. In this case, Stuart McLean was interviewing Andrea, the third generation member of her family to manage Russell Books in Victoria, BC. Because I previously enjoyed a 23 year career in the Canadian book industry, I was casually following the conversation when I was surprised by the sound of Andrea’s hearty laugh. The sound was so genuine and compelling that I was startled! You could tell from the easy and natural sound that this was a person who laughs a lot. It was wonderful.

As I thought about this, I realized the reason the sound of this woman’s laughter was so startling is because it is a sound I don’t hear all that often. Further, I came to see that I don’t laugh nearly enough myself; in fact hardly at all. Somehow, life has become far too serious. These days we all seem to work too hard and play too little. As ridiculous as that is, I’m quite sure none of us are the least bit amused.

The health benefits of a good laugh have long been known. Laughter has been shown to reduce pain levels, increase a person’s energy, strengthen the immune system, and even offer protection from the damaging effects of stress. Further, it reduces tension between people and lessens conflict. And the best thing about this remarkable therapy is that you don’t need a medical plan to access it; it is absolutely free!

So why don’t we laugh more? In fact, why don’t we do something about this? How be if we all do something good for ourselves today, and have a good laugh? Its really not that hard. And just in case you need a little help, here’s a link that will help you. You have probably seen these laughing quadruplet babies before, but they are worth watching again, and I know you will at least smile. Click here.

There now, don’t you feel better?

Posted by Carman