Are you laughing enough for your own good?

by | Aug 31, 2014 | Uncategorized | 4 comments

Norman Cousins, an educator and writer, famously wrote that laughing as he watched lots of  funny movies and television helped him cope with a painful chronic spine condition. He is not the only one to think that we benefit greatly from laughing — think of the saying that laughter is the best medicine. Think of physician Patch Adams wearing a clown nose as he works with hospitalized children.

Do research findings support the view that laughter is an elixir? Yes. Research studies show that laughing has positive effects similar to exercise, including a substantial increase in heart rate. Laughing also helps regulate blood sugar levels, and it increases blood flow, aiding the work of the heart. Laughing may also help the immune system function. For more info about the physical benefits of laughing, see http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/give-your-body-boost-with-laughter.

Does laughing have psychological benefits? Yes. It triggers the release of endorphins, improves mood, and helps a person feel relaxed. Laughter can also help a person shift from a negative perspective to a positive one. I know when phobia clients laugh sincerely at an exposure situation that they are on their way to beating the phobia.

Laughing with others may have the most positive immediate effects because of the positive social aspects present. Laughing with others can also help others elevate their mood and want to associate with us in the future. Laughing happily at oneself may be one of the surest signs of confidence and good mental health. For more info about the psychological benefits of laughing, see http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/give-your-body-boost-with-laughter.

I naturally associate with amusing individuals. We might talk about work or some serious matter, but humor is never too far away. I also naturally look for the humor in situations. It isn’t always easy to find and it doesn’t always eliminate unfortunate aspects of life, but it does provide a different perspective and lift my mood. Sometimes I will laugh out loud repeatedly at something I said or thought or at something another person said.

What about you? Are you laughing enough for your own good? How might you increase your daily level of yuks and guffaws?

John Malouff, PhD, JD, Assoc Professor of Psychology

 

4 Comments

  1. Yesterday I was in Apria, a clinic for portable supplemental oxygen, waiting to get tanks for my mom. A guy went up with a hole in his neck (tracheotomy) and was talking with an electronic voice, and, all I could think of was the singer Peter Frampton from the 70’s using one of those. The young front desk lady gave him centriple more time than she gives anyone else, so, since I’d noticed a couple speaking Spanish to each other, . .and I’d already asked everyone near if they remembered Peter Frampton, and gotten only one who did, who was not as excited like I, I started, and continued, speaking Spanish to the couple, . .feeling free, and downright cackling at the end, when I said, . .” – She gives him 20 minutes, and usually gives others 20 seconds, . .She likes him too much, ..they need to get a room !” When the guy was done and sat down, . . I told him he reminds me of PF. He asked why. He said the kids really enjoy it, it’s like Star Wars, he said. I chimed in, “Yeah, I bet the kids love it”, then felt sick. Then laughed as I told him to sing the line, . .”Do you feel like I do?” , and he held that wand up to the hole in his throat and sang it. Then I spread my arms out and felt the hottest day of summer yet this year on the way out to the car, escorted by the young stocking guy and his clanking cart of tanks, smelling his Jean-Paul Gautier as he loaded them. Foreign languages seem directly linked to my pleasure center, as well as my need to communicate freely, and to be understood. I have a sister who made a sport, and still does, out of pretending she didn’t understand me.
    Also, I love to listen to Comedy Central while I drive. It keeps me in a comedic frame of mind, and I find myself composing rough monologues of my own in my head.

  2. Elizabeth, you seem to be laughing enough for your own good!

  3. Laughter can actually improve your health. It is a strong medicine because it draws people together that triggers healthy physical and emotional changes in the body.

  4. I agree.

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *