On May 7th, let’s celebrate the benefits that laughter has in our lives and never forget that, even in the most challenging situations, there is always a good reason to let go of our worries, relax and just laugh!
The World Laughter Day was first celebrated in India in 1998 on the initiative of Dr. Madan Kataria, who believes in the healing properties of laughter. It then spread to the Anglo-Saxon countries, France, Germany, Hungary and the Scandinavian countries and since then has been celebrated on the first Sunday of every May, and this year it is celebrated on May 7th.
History of the World Laughter Day
The first World Laughter Day gathering took place in Mumbai, India, on January 11, 1998. Around 12,000 members from the international laughter clubs attended the event and laughed on this joyous day. It was followed by “Happy-demic,” the first world laughter day celebrated outside India. The event was held in Copenhagen, Denmark, on January 9, 2000, and around 10,000 people attended, putting it in the “Guinness Book of World Records.”
Furthermore, they say laughter is the best medicine, as science has long ago proved the benefits of laughter for both physical and mental health.
What are the benefits of laughter?
- Laughter boosts the immune system – Laughing helps to increase infection by fighting antibodies, which can help combat infection.
- Laughter relaxes the body & reduces stress – A proper belly laugh can help reduce stress and can relax your muscles for 45 minutes afterwards.
- Laughter is good for your heart – Laughing can help increase blood flow and improves the function of blood vessels, which can help protect you against heart attacks.
- Strengthen social bonds – Humans are social creatures, and sharing good times is one way we find community.
Life onboard remains challenging: the power of laughter
The topic of mental health is becoming increasingly relevant in the business sector and every aspect of life, especially in seafaring which is characterized by increased workload and isolation. Current data showing that at least one in eight people globally is affected by mental health issues.
Laughter is a mechanism, by which people connect with others. Especially for seafarers who are away from their families and friends for extended periods, connection is something very important. The sea can be a very stressful environment, where seafarers must handle difficulties and challenging scenarios, for example uncontrollable weather conditions and potential safety incidents.
Laughter has a positive effect on the human body and psyche, being a necessary condition for physical health and primary criterion of mental health and balance. As a result, laughing can positively affect the mental health of seafarers. Surely, laughter may not solve all the problems of seafarers, but it will allow them to stay connected with the meaning of life.
Dr. Madan Kataria has said that: “If laughter cannot solve your problems, it will definitely, dissolve your problems. So that you can think clearly what to do about them”.
We don’t laugh because we are happy, we are happy because we laugh
– William James
