PAGE-02

PREFACE

One of the things we can do to enjoy life more is to laugh. Laugh makes us feel good. At the same time it is good for our health. Laughter protects our heart. Laughing increases blood flow and decreases blood pressure. It improves blood vessel function which may help protect us against heart disease. Laughter relaxes our body. Laughing relieves tension and relaxes our muscles. It is an effect that lasts for up to 45 minutes after. Laughter puts us in a better mood. Laughing triggers the release of hormones in the brain. These hormones are called endorphins. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well‑being. Laughter decreases pain. Endorphins also relieve pain temporarily. So, endorphins are often called the body’s natural pain killer. Laughter decreases anxiety. It also decreases mental stress. As a result of laughing, there is a decrease in stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. People who laugh more tend to report lower anxiety and feelings of stress. Laughter also boosts the immune system. Laughing increases immune cells and infection‑fighting antibodies. Thus it improves our resistance to disease. There are 260 stories in this book which are full of comedy. Most of the stories are based on the Sardars (people of the Sikh community). In India, a lot of jokes are made on them. I’ve inserted relevant coloured picture or cartoon to every story. When you’re busy and don’t have time to read, just look at the cartoons. They certainly will make you laugh. Epicureanism gets priority in today’s social structure. It has taken away the smile from the faces of the common people. I want to bring that smile back. I’m grateful to Dr. Michael Miller, University of Maryland Medical Center for his writing ‘Laughter is the Best Medicine for Your Heart’. I’m grateful to Mary P. Bennett, Western Kentucky University for her writing ‘The Effect of Mirthful Laughter on Stress and Natural Killer Cell Activity’. I’m also grateful to Helpguide Non Profit Health Resource for the writing ‘The Health Benefits of Humor and laughter’.   I’m very grateful to my brother-in-law (elder sister’s husband) Basudev Chatterjee for helping me to improve the quality of my writing. I want to make people laugh and laugh and laugh. At last I’m giving you a message—“LAUGH ALOUD AND LIVE LONG.”  Alipurduar                                                                              Jayanta Kr. Mallick West Bengal India Pin-736122 Dated : 18/12/2016