If you loose the ability to laugh, you loose the ability to think. All the smartest people in the world have a great sense of humour. Persistent seriousness is dangerous for ourselves and society. It creates narrow minded thinking, rigid ideology, cruelty and a tunnel vision. Humour encourages an open mind, empathy and forgiveness. Sometimes only humour can break down the opposition of fixed ideologies. Laughing opens the door to new solutions. It allows the mind to be playful and creative.
If we can laugh together, we can work together. Laughter creates generosity of mind, connection, trust and truthfulness. It gives us a sense of belonging. It softens the edges and opens the heart. There is no place for dogma and rigidity when you are laughing out loud. Therefore it is a great tool for teambuilding and personal development.
Immediate benefits of laughing:
- Reduces stress
- Relieves chronic pain
- Boosts the immune system
- Decreases anxiety, depression and insomnia
- Improves breathing and circulation
- Reduces inflammation in the body
- Burns body fat
- Reduces anger
- Enhances communication and social skills
- Increases vitality
- Improves self esteem
- Gives a positive outlook on life