Laughter and Humor

It has been said “By the time a child reaches nursery school, he or she will laugh 300 times a day. Adults laugh an average of 17 times a day.” (Discovery Health).

What are the benefits of laughter?
• Reduces stress (laughter stimulates both sides of our brain and eases muscle tension)
• Lowers our blood pressure
• Elevates our mood (and gives our body a good workout)
• Boosts our immune system (releases antibodies)
• Improves our brain functioning
• Helps us connect with others
• Fosters relaxation

Why do we need humor and laughter?
• Replaces negative emotions with pleasurable feelings
• It changes behavior. We talk more, make more eye contact, touch more
• It increases our energy level
• It makes us feel good and heals our pain
• It is a safe way to introduce ourselves to others (connect)

How can you expand your sense of humor?
• Look for everyday humor. (look for absurd, silly or funny things that happen around you)
• Watch children (observe how they delight in light things)
• Increase your exposure to humor (comedies, joke books, listen to joke tapes, joke a day online)
• Hang around with funny friends
• If you hear a joke you like write it down (make sure you tell someone else and brighten their day).

So here’s my joke for the day: How many therapists does it take to change a light bulb? Only one, but the light bulb really has to want to change….