How to keep smiling always

"A smile starts on the lips, A grin spreads to the eyes, A chuckle comes from the belly; But a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, Overflows, and bubbles all around." - Carolyn Birmingham

It is said that smile is a curve that sets everything straight and you are never fully dressed without a smile! Truly, that small curve of the lips, called smile, gives such a beauty to the face that it instantly brings people and hearts closer together.

Smiling reduces the tension and makes others relaxed. Whatever be the circumstance, cultivate the attitude of being humourous every moment of your lives without losing the importance of the situation.

The story goes that once Goddess Kali appeared before poet Kalidasa. Seeing her, he suddenly started laughing. Surprised, she asked him, while every other human being was afraid of her appearance, what made him laugh. He replied that when it was so difficult for a person to keep wiping his single nose if he were to catch a cold, how was it possible then for her to wipe so many noses on her numerous faces ! Impressed by his humour, Goddess Kali is said to have gifted him with the poetic talent.

Here are some tips to cultivate humour:

• Be in the company of humorous people. There are a few gifted amongst us who can always crack a joke in the nick of time about the incidents happening in the surroundings or about the subject they are discussing at the moment. They always find something funny, whatever is the occasion.

• Smiling is the precursor of laughing. Like flu, it’s contagious, when you look at someone smiling; you too invariably start to smile.

• Spend time with fun, playful people. Share funny jokes and an-ecdotes as it gives the opportunity to laugh together.

• Watch comedy movies; Visit Laughter Clubs; Create opportunities to laugh.

• Discuss with others about the funniest things that happened in the day.

• Play with children; Do silly things.

• Make some time for fun activities (golfing, bowling, karaoke).

• Chuckle, chortle, cackle or crack up (all are stress relievers).

• There are several humour programmes aired on TV which have become quite popular and some channels are exclusively dedicated to it. Children's channels like Pogo, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and Disney are sure to make one laugh however serious his mood maybe.

Benefits of laughing

• Reduces stress and even weight (burning calories) by raising energy level.

• Strengthens immune system.

• Prevents heart disease.

• Relaxes muscles. • Lowers blood pressure.

• Improves blood circulation.