By Dr Pola Singh | Malaysia |
It’s time to acknowledge that many of us have forgotten the simple joy of laughter in our everyday routines. Our lives often revolve around seriousness, which only adds to the stress and tension we face. But amidst our responsibilities, isn’t it crucial to reintroduce laughter, to cherish moments of light-heartedness?
I recently found myself at the Royal Selangor Club, surrounded by a palpable sense of gloom. Despite it being a Friday night, typically filled with merriment and anticipation for the weekend, the atmosphere was heavy with serious discussions, particularly about the ‘socks’ issue. Caught up in the intensity of the moment, I too momentarily lost sight of the joy I usually find in Friday night gatherings.
Reflecting on this, I couldn’t help but wonder: would a bit of laughter and humour have diffused the tension that engulfed the club’s corridors? Instead of revelling in camaraderie and cheer, members were singularly focused on one issue, neglecting the opportunity for shared enjoyment.
Few realize the power of laughter to alleviate even the most burdensome of situations. It serves as a tangible expression of finding amusement, peculiarity, or outright absurdity in the world around us.
As the saying goes, ‘Laughter is the Best Medicine,’ and its health benefits are undeniable. Yet, many, particularly seniors, have allowed laughter to slip from their lives. When was the last time you truly laughed? For most, it’s a distant memory.
In our journey to adulthood, we’ve traded spontaneous laughter for a perpetual seriousness. But we mustn’t forget that laughter has the remarkable ability to lighten even the heaviest of burdens. Just observe how effortlessly a baby transitions from tears to giggles with the slightest provocation – such is the magic of laughter.
Even in the face of adversity, a laugh or a smile can work wonders for our well-being. Laughter is contagious; it primes our brains for joy and invites us to join in the merriment. Laughing and feeling stressed cannot coexist – one inevitably displaces the other.
Consider attending a comedy show featuring local talents like Allan Perera, Harith Iskander, or Dr Jason Leong. The transformation in your mood after just a couple of hours will be profound.
Moreover, laughter fosters genuine connections and strengthens relationships. I recall my experience lecturing on the mundane topic of “Research Methodology” at the Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College in the late 1980s. Injecting humour into my lessons not only made them enjoyable but also forged lasting bonds with my students.
Recently, I joined a “Happy & Healthy” group led by 80-year-old LT Lim and his wife Pansy. Since then, my outlook on life has shifted. I’m more conscious of embracing happiness – smiling more often and infusing my days with laughter and humour. It’s invigorating to belong to such a cheerful and ever-smiling group.
However, let’s remember that laughter should never come at the expense of others. Let’s exercise discretion and empathy, distinguishing between good-natured jests and hurtful remarks.
In essence, let’s reintegrate laughter and humour into our lives as essential components of our well-being. By embracing the lighter side of life, we can alleviate stress, strengthen bonds, and cultivate a more joyful existence.
So, to people on this Earth including Malaysians, let’s make laughter a way of life. It’s a priceless medicine that’s fun, free, and remarkably easy to administer. And the benefits are manifold!
Dr Pola Singh, who retired as Maritime Institute of Malaysia director-general in 2011, is also the author of ‘Uphill — The Journey of a Sikh-Chinese Kampung Boy’
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