by Angel Liu

Created on: March 23, 2007   Last Updated: April 23, 2007

For this, I shall resort to the trite. Laughter IS the Best Medicine.

Readers Digest said it, and now a good number of studies are proving this homey little truth an absolute gem. Laughing gets you into the habit of releasing in mind, body and spirit. It is simply impossible to pursue an argument or look fierce while chortling, not to mention that it defies the point.

Unless you have a witchy cackle and it stresses out everybody else around you lest you turn them into frogs, laughing also puts one in a more accepting and acceptable frame of being. This generally results in regaining one's humanity and being less of a pain in the ass, whether it's yours or someone else's.

Men in particular seem to have been born with an awareness of laughter as a handy tool in easing relations with women. Some man will inevitably use humor to diffuse The Talk, or any seriousness about a situation almost instinctively. Provided the quip is well chosen and inoffensive, most people will rarely resist an opportunity to have a good chuckle.

Even Ugly is conquered by the effervescence of being a habitual smiler and laugher. Attractiveness increases when confidence and happiness are on frequent display. People feel at ease with those who laugh genuinely and whose relationship to the world at large seems pleasant. Never mind if deeper issues exist as they often do, people who tend to see the humor in life also tend to be more hopeful and engender the same feelings in others.

Aside from the social benefits, the health pay-offs are nothing to sneeze at. Improved circulation, a stronger heart, glowing skin and depending on how often you get the funnies, you may even be slightly working your ab muscles! No?

Mentally, laughing betrays an appreciation of wit and a willingness to indulge in life's pleasures. You're no longer engaged in just observing, you're part of the equation by laughing at yourself and situations you may find yourself in. It's often evoked involuntarily but once in the habit, what's to stop you from choosing to do it?

Laughing is your 30 second yoga practice. There is sound zen in the sense of it.

You can't be anywhere else but In the Moment while in the throes of laughter. Can you find a better way to live? I can't. Besides I'm too poor to get a dermatologist, and much too vain to pass up the chance to stay youthful.

Have a laugh. It will set your soul free.

Learn more about this author, Angel Liu.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.