Nelly Favis-Villafuerte Laughter in the face of crisis. Seems impossible but it can happen. It should happen. A good hearty laugh to ease the tension around us. Especially at this time when business prospects look dim. Good for the health too. Why? Because if we laugh, our muscles are activated; our heartbeat is increased; and our respiration is improved with increase in oxygen. Exporters, please heed this advice on laughter. This country cannot afford at this time to lose exporters to the kingdom of pessimists and doomsayers. I believe that exporters who can find humor in the gloomy events happening here and abroad can survive. Exporters who can turn discouraging and painful situations around them through laughter are the heroes of the hour. Indeed, we are blessed with many exporters whose laughter and good humor are carrying them through this period of business crisis. Let us take a look at the clinical description of laughter. Years ago, I read in a book by Glenn Van Ekeren and wrote these interesting excerpts in my notebook of ideas: “The act of laughing massages our heart, stimulates blood circulation, and helps the lungs breathe easier. It relaxes our tensions and promotes a feeling of well-being. x x x The neutral circuits in your brain begin to reverberate. Chemical and electrical impulses start flowing rapidly through your body. The pituitary gland is stimulated; start flowing rapidly through your body. The pituitary gland is stimulated; hormones and endorphins race through your blood. x x x Laughter distracts your attention, changes attitude and outlook on life, causes relaxation and reduction of tension, increases the body’s natural pain killers. Every time we laugh our stress level is lowered.” Laughter is actually a healthy form of exercise. It is a cheap medicine since it relaxes our tension. Smiles, chuckles, and belly laughs are more effective cures for stress and anxiety than the expensive tranquilizers. The trouble with us is that we have become far too serious. No wonder, many of us experience stomach pains, ulcers, chest pains, migraine, all at the same time sometimes – symptoms of stress. We do not know how to loosen up. We cannot lighten up. We cannot think funny. We fail to renew the child in us. Instead of enjoying the blessings in life, we end up being sourpuss. Especially exporters who are stressed out meeting shipment and delivery deadlines. Yes, laughter in the face of crisis is an effective medicine for everyone – at no cost at all. Especially during times when natural calamities are happening with greater frequency and intensity in different places of the world. Me, I use laughter all the time to relieve me of anger and indignation especially when supposedly loyal friends betray/deceive me in times of need; or when people holding high positions use their power, smear information, and money to get back at others. Have a joyful day! (For comments/reactions please send to Ms. Villafuerte’s email: [email protected])