"Because I was processing my first accident report at the transport company where I worked, I was being particularly attentive. The driver had hit a deer on the highway, and the result was a severely damaged hood and fender. My serious mood was broken, however, when I reached the section of the report that asked, 'Speed of other vehicle?' The driver had put 'Full gallop'."-Douglas Wakeham, Reader's Digest
The phrase, "no one can resist a good joke," would be better as "no one should resist a good joke." Science has done an autopsy on laughter, and it has revealed remarkable results.
Laughter as medicine is as old as it gets. From a 13th century surgeon who told jokes to his patients as they emerged from operations, to Obijway Indian doctor-clowns, to present-day "humour rooms" in hospitals, there has never been any doubt about laughter's therapeutic prowess, and now there's science to back it up.
Research conducted by Lee Berk, of California Loma Linda University Medical Center, supports the idea that laughter enhances the immune system by boosting the production of immune enhancers and suppressing the production of stress hormones that weaken immunity. It also impacts the psyche, which is closely related to the immune and endocrine systems. Laughter may be simple, but benefits go far beyond the act itself. Laughter increases breathing rate, breaks the pain-spasm cycle common to some muscle disorders and temporarily increases heart rate and blood pressure, increasing circulation and oxygen supply. The complicated combination of physiological reactions makes laughing what some researchers have called "inner jogging." Metabolism steps up, burning off calories. Body temperature increases and the entire system is showered with adrenaline, making you feel good all over. Even better, these effects last for up to two hours after you stop laughing.
Psychological benefits of humour include increases in self-esteem, creativity and negotiating and decision-making skills. By putting life in perspective, it helps to maintain a sense of balance and relieve stress. Even therapists sometimes use jokes as an interpretive device when more direct communications may be too threatening and
anxiety-producing.
Laughter is the best form of preventive medicine available. Humour is part of a set of survival skills that relieves tension, keeping people fluid and flexible in the face of relentless change. Being able to laugh at yourself is a hallmark of self-satisfaction and great character because it shows willingness to accept criticism and advice.
People are taking the idea of laughter pretty seriously. While scientists have examined humor in good faith, they seem to have turned jokes into double-edged swords. But we shouldn't need reasons or excuses to laugh. That'd take all the fun
out of it. n
2008 Woodie Awards
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askin
posted 10/16/07 @ 10:53 PM EST
Here are two suggestions for "laugh-at-every-page" type
humorous books.
THE SECOND VENICE by Askin Ozcan
ISBN 1598000888 Outskirts Press
Story of life in a "Second Venice" built by Pshht Cola and McBigBite, after the Italian govt's passing a law to limit the number of tourists to Venice, to protect the City from destruction. (Continued…)
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