“Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” – Victor Hugo

There are number of quotes on laugh or laughter. But quite often, the most beautiful thing of life is taken for granted. Today’s guest post is from a budding writer – Iniya Vensel, who is studying in 7th Grade. Building her post on April Fools’ Day, Iniya has pointed out few very important points about laughing. I truly appreciate Iniya’s interest in writing and contributing for Mothers Gurukul. It is good to have these young kids on the board.

There are many origins and theories about the history of April Fools’ Day; however, the most reliable explanation suggests that April Fools’ Day was a result of the Gregorian calendar modification in 1582. New Years’ Day was changed from April 1st to January 1st, but many Europeans still celebrated New Years’ on April 1st up to the 1700’s. It was soon named All Fools’ Day, for April 1st was known as the fake New Years’ that fooled everyone. Later modulated to April Fools ‘ Day, it is an English celebration of… well, foolishness.

  It is so said that laughing for 15 seconds adds two days to one’s life. As Hugh Prather, author and philosopher, once stated, “True humor is fun– it does not put down, kid, or mock. It makes people feel wonderful, not separate, different, and cut off.” Laughter is as vital as breathing to one’s life, and laughing every day can bring out many health benefits. A few minutes of chuckling daily can improve the immune system, reduce stress, add to one’s lifespan, and regulate conversations and relationships.

A session of informal hysterics is crucial to a body’s well-being, as it produces serotonin, the “happiness hormone”, which decreases stress and tension. It is also proven that laughing increases infection-fighting antibodies and immune cells, making the phrase, “Laughter is the best medicine “, seem very literal. Laughing also relaxes muscles, temporarily relieving pain and soothing aches. These are some of the short-term advantages of laughing; however, laughing is beneficial in the long run too. From combating chronic conditions such as depression to boosting one’s overall mood and even character, the fact that laughter definitely affects one positively is no joke.

“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” No wonder laughing also improves communication and relationships. Sophie Scott, brain specialist and neurologist, talks about why we laugh and how it improves relationships. And wherever you find it, it’s associated with interactions. So Robert Provine, who has done a lot of work on this, has pointed out that you are 30 times more likely to laugh if  you are with somebody else than if you’re on your own, and where you find the most laughter is in social interactions like conversation… You are laughing to show people that you understand them, that you agree with them, that you’re part of the same group of them. You might even love them. “ Sophie Scott, TedXTalks “Why we laugh”. Laughing helps one realize that they are acknowledged by another, therefore regulating free communication and improving restrained relationships.

Every individual must find a way to laugh every day, as one does not need to be a doctor or specialist to show the importance and the effects of laughter in their daily lives.

Whatever may be your age, April Fools’ Day is a splendid excuse for one to spend time with their family (and friends), and laugh!