Humour for Happiness

What is this thing called humour?

We understand laughter well enough. And we know when we find something funny.

But what makes something amusing? What do we mean when we say someone has a good sense of humour? And how can we use humour during tough times as instant pick-me-ups?

Besides feeling good, humour can be a powerful motivating tool. We may not be able to laugh our way through adversity, but a sense of humour can lessen anxiety, alleviate tensions and help us adapt when stressful changes occur.

Besides, laughter contributes to good health, which you probably know by now.

You could think of humour as a way of existing in, interacting with and perceiving the world. It immediately lightens the mood and gives you a fresh view.

Having a sense of humour is being able to take the Mickey out of Stressful people, demanding situations and the ugly side of life. It is the ability to nimbly sidestep potential flashpoints. It's about disarming, then surprising. It's a weapon of the underdog.

Job stress is something many of us face. Just remember that when it comes to work, you are not your job.

No doubt you should take your work seriously, but your job is what you do. It's not who you are. Never let your job become your life.

A good and simple way to develop a sense of humour is to collect and remember things you find funny. Jokes that comes to you via email, a humourous quote you come across in a magazine, a mis-spelt word on a sign, a comic strip or even a photo that cracks you up.

Look for the ironic and satirical in people and in events. Turn in person who annoys you at work in a comedian. Then it's comic relief each time he or she tries to frustrate you.

I say collect "things", but you know, people can be funny.

Make friends who tend to make you laugh! Try to laugh as much as you can everyday. Make others laugh too. Humour is never having to apologise even you are being corny.

Make your environment filled with fun and laughter.

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd

Seeing a Beautiful World

Many of us tend to focus on the negative. Turning minor misfortunes into epic tragedies. Thinking about what we don't have, instead of what we do have. Getting jealous of others who seem to have better looks and more money, instead of exploring meaningful experiences that have nothing to do with all these things.

I wonder if primitive civilisations suffered the same problem. I doubt it... they were probably too busy meeting their basic survival needs to spin webs of woe in their minds.

It's ironic that in a society where the average man arguably has "everything" he needs... good health, good healthcare, abundant food, a sturdy roof over his head, and all the material comforts anyone could wish for... that he can be unhappy.

American writer and critic Barbara Johnson wrote about an experience on the way home from work, and how it changed her perspective of life:

The day started out rotten. I overslept and was late for work. Everything that happened at the office contributed to my nervous frenzy. By the time I reached the bus stop for my homeward trip, my stomach was one big knot.

As usual, the bus was late - and jammed. I had to stand in the aisle. As the lurching vehicle pulled me in all directions, my gloom deepened.

Then I heard a deep voice from up front, "Beautiful day, isn't it?"

Because of the crowd, I could not see the man, but I could hear him as he continued to comment on the spring scenery, calling attention to each approaching landmark. This church. That park, That cemetery. That firehouse. Soon, all the passengers were gazing out the windows. This man's enthusiasm was so contagious that I found myself smiling for the first time that day.

We reached my stop. Maneuvering toward the door, I got a look at our "guide" - a plump figure with a black beard, wearing dark glasses, and carrying a thin white cane.

Sometimes, we get so preoccupied with making a living that we forget to live. We forget that the world, with all its problems, is still a really rather wonderful and miraculous place. And that this life, with all its upsets and disappointments, its misery and pain, its sharp points and apparent pointlessness, is still fabulously, wonderfully worth living and enjoying.

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd

The Benefits of Walking

What's one of the simplest and quickest ways to improve your overall wellness?

Walking!

Primitive tribes people went on regular walkabouts, when individuals headed off alone into the bush as a rite of passage. In the wilderness, their minds, bodies and spirits were tested and cleansed. Some even met their spiritual guides, or so the legends say.

These day though, walking has been reduced to an inconvenience. It's considered a milestone for toddlers, something that all infants naturally progress to, but grown-ups generally wish to do as little of it as possible. We'd much rather get around in cards, taxis, buses and bikes.

But walking is immensely beneficial for our physical and mental well-being. For years, this single act has been linked to improving cardiovascular health. The reason is because, generally, walking is a safe movement that isn't likely to cause injury. New studies have shown that walking is also a terrific way to improve your mood. The next time you are feeling a little blue, you could just walk it off - literally.

A recent study paired individuals into groups, one of which spent 30 minutes on a treadmill and the other that participated in 30 minutes of rest. Each group's progress was monitored throughout the treatment with a conclusion that both groups reported having less negative feelings at the end of the study, along with less stress and tension. The difference, however, was found when the group that spent 30 minutes walking also noted an overall improvement in well-being.

While the study further proves the theory that walking is good for mental health, as well as physical, it also lends credence to the theory that people who walk feel better overall. It also proves that an individual does not have to be outside in order to enjoy the benefits of walking. This simple exercise can be achieved with a treadmill or by simply walking in place while listening to music or watching TV.

Taking long walks also allows your mind to relax; the body goes into a spontaneous, comfortable rhythm, giving your thoughts a relaxed and unhurried climate in which to organise themselves. I've often come up with solutions and ideas while on a leisurely stroll.

So work a walking routine into your schedule. You will start feeling the benefits in no time!

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd

Secrets of Sound Sleep

A single good night's sleep can rejuventate your mind, body and soul. Here's how you can get one tonight.

A regular exercise routine will help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed, but experts don't recommend vigorous exercise fewer than three hours before bedtime. Instead, schedule your workout five or six hours before lights out. Exercise causes your core body temperature to rise, and natural sleepiness will set in when your body temperature drops again.

Find another place for stressful activities. Pay your bills in your study or dining table, not in your bedroom, and definitely not in your bed. Your bed should be your sanctuary.

Now you probably know this one - avoid nicotine and alcohol before bed. Nicotine is a potent stimulant, and the metabolism of alcohol has an alerting effect. Skip the afternoon latte, too. The stimulating effect of caffeine can remain for as long as 12 hours. Keep in mind that many teas and carbonated drinks contain high levels of caffeine as well.

Restrict your water intake just before bed and during the night. Midnight trips to the bathroom can cut into your sleep, particularly if you have a hard time dozing off again. Six hours of continuous sleep can often result a more rested feeling than eight hours of on-again, off-again snoozing.

Check to see if any of your prescription or over-the-counter medications may be interfering with your sleep. Some diet pills, birth control pills, anti-depressants, and blood pressure medications can have a rousing effect. Sleeping pills, while tempting, are not the answer. They quickly lose their effectiveness and can be addictive.

At night, create a nest for yourself. Eliminate clutter, maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature, and keep the room dark. Nightlights and bright moonlight can interfere with quality sleep.

Practice aromatherapy. Lavender oil or a lavender sachet on your bedside table may help you feel sleepy and more relaxed.

Stock your bedside table with easy reads that are both empowering and relaxing.

Keep a notebook and a pen near your bed, as well, to jot down any late night worries. The act of recording your anxieties will help clear them from your head so you can relax into slumber. Sweet dreams!

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd

Staying Focused On Your Path

So you've decided, it's time to do something about your life - you need to be more disciplined, you need to take care of your health, you want to adopt a more positive attitude, you need to save enough money for retirement, you want to be a better partner, a better son, a better mother. You've had enough of being directionless in life and are looking forward to achieving the goals you've set for yourself.

But wait, what's lurking on the sidelines that can derail you from your path? Those well-meaning friends and relatives who, with all good intention, pass along clutter from their house to yours? - "this would look great on you", or "I can't use this but maybe you can".

What about the people around you who seem to dwell on the negative or tell stories about how unfair life is? Friends who invite you to have "just a bite", "just one more cigarette can't hurt!" or encourage you to stay out "just a little longer"?

What about relatives and friends who shy away from your newfound honesty and assertiveness?

They probably don't mean any harm but they may DO you harm if they steer you away from the goals you've set for yourself. So how do you put yourself first and get selfish, so to speak, when others are tempting you to stray?

First of all, be very clear yourself about the goals you're eyeing. If you're unsteady in your commitment, that will show, and make it all the easier for them to lead you astray.

Demonstrate your dedication by living by example. Don't preach. Just like you weren't ready to take on healthy goals at other times in your life, those you love or care about may not be ready now.

Also, plan ahead. Think of how you will say no, prepare alternatives or plan an "escape route". Do what you have to do to take care of yourself.

Be honest. Talk about your goals and what they mean to you. And choose who to spend time with. You may choose to spend less time with someone who has unhealthy habits. And more time with people who make you feel good about yourself, support your efforts, or are themselves models of positivity and self-care. As time goes by and your daily practices become more of a habit, you'll be able to focus on your path towards your goals without even thinking about it.

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd

Confronting a Major Illness

We cannot avoid illness. Even the healthiest and strongest among us cannot keep themselves from catching a cold once in a while. And while many illnesses can be easily cured, there are some major ones which may be much more of a struggle.

If you have recently been diagnosed with a major illness, the first thing to remember is that this is not the end of the road - many people with major illnesses live productive lives. Some live even more meaningful and enriching lives than healthy people because they realize the value of their time left. They make every minute count, because the next one could be their last.

But this is not just true of the very ill - I mean, if you think about it, we're all dying. Every breath we take, we have less and less time to make our lives count. All of us really should be giving more thought to our numbered days and what we can do to make them the best we can.

Most healthy people though do not understand just how precious their remaining time is. Some even fritter their days away on idle pursuits or hollow goals, thinking that they have all the time to question the "meaning of life" or the "futility of life" instead of simply living it. In many instances, it is indeed true that the dying are the most truly alive.

Also, shift your emphasis onto people - your loved ones, your doctors, your care-givers. You do not have to go through this alone. Communicate with them and let them help you achieve your goals. Make developing relationships your number one priority. Through you, your friends and loved ones will also come to realize how valuable time is.

Remember not to rush. Many people with major illnesses make the mistake of thinking that their time is so limited that they have to take on everything at once. This not only dilutes any potential rewarding experience, it increases anxiety and can lead to further stress on your health. Haste is the plague of the modern world. Go at your own pace and try to fully savour every experience.

The future is unknowable; the only certainty is that we all die. It may be a virus, it may be a natural disaster, it may be a bomb, it may be a car. That is not for us to say. All we can do is make the most of what we have now. And that's the best thing anyone can do, regardless of illness or good health.

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Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd