"A little nonsense now and then is cherished by the wisest man."
- Willy Wonka, from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Do you know what tickles your funny bone?
This might be the most important Q posed to you today. Consequential in the sense that by knowing the answer it firmly places the control in your hands for tapping into the best medicine. And the fact that it is much better tolerated by the body than anything the world of Pharmaceuticals has to sell is nothing to sneeze at.
A hearty belly laugh not only boosts your mood and provide a twinkle to the eye. It also decreases stress hormones (such as cortisol), reduces physical pain (impossible to pay attention to the stabbing pain in a stubbed toe while laughing at your natural flair for walking into inanimate objects). In the same breath, a chuckle also strengthens the immune system and this is mandatory when dealing with self inflicted injuries for example (such as said injured appendage).
Personally, puns reduce me to giggles, especially when teamed with good illustrations. Good reads the likes of The Road to Happiness by Eric Weiner rates up there, while well intentioned pokes at sacred cows are sure to put a grin on my face.
So how do you up your daily dose of laughter? Start trawling the Net for good sites, browse the shelves at the bookstore to find authors/artists that make you itch (in a good way) and open your eyes wide to the comical in everyday situations. I just have to envision myself behind my desk looking as serious as the Cold War to crack up laughing. Even more so in the knowledge that I’m usually aching to get out the office and into Nature. Yip, I do like making fun of myself…
Start your day with a smile and who knows, you might be fortunate enough to end the day in the same manner. But don’t be selfish by keeping the good stuff all to yourself. Share the love by spreading the joy to those around you!
So in the wise words of my favourite Doctor, I’m signing out.
"Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one."
- Dr. Seuss
