Add Some Humor to Your Life

Have you ever noticed how good you feel after a hearty belly laugh? Have you ever noticed that it is very difficult to be angry or upset while you are laughing? That's because laughter is good for your mind and body. According to Stanford University's Dr. William F. Fry, "Laughing 100 times a day is the cardiovascular equivalent of 10 minutes of rowing." While laughing 100 times a day may seem a bit much, it is important to take time to reap the benefits of some humor each day.

Laughter provides both physical and mental benefits by increasing heart rate, sending more oxygen through your bloodstream, and improving digestion. Following laughter, your body experiences a state of relaxation similar to the response felt by aerobic exercise.

Humor is not just for the healthy. Even individuals with chronic illnesses need humor in their lives. Humor provides a welcomed relief from medical problems.

We all need humor in our lives, especially when day-to-day responsibilities seem overwhelming. Would you rather tackle those tasks in a somber way or add some lighthearted notes to the music of life? Look beyond those challenges and find the humor. Comedians such as Erma Bombeck, Bill Cosby, Phyllis Diller, Robin Williams and many others have the gift of seeing life from the humorous side.

Try some of the following tips to assist you in exercising those funny bones:

Look for the humor - Try to see the humor in life. Say, "What's funny about this right now?" This will give you a new perspective on many difficult situations.

Keep a "funny file" - Start a collection of cartoons or jokes which you find funny and keep in a file folder. When things get you down, pull out your Funny File and release the tension with a few good laughs.

Watch comedy TV shows or videos - Lighten your mood by taking a short "Humor Break" to refresh yourself after a hard day. Better yet, make it a family affair by sharing the laughter with those around you.

Surround yourself with people who have a good sense of humor - That unexpected laugh or chuckle can be a welcomed surprise.

Get a humor buddy - Having a friend who allows you to say and do funny things without feeling threatened is beneficial to you both.

Keep a humor journal - Attach a smile to those precious memories by writing down funny things that occur in your life.

Learn to laugh at yourself - Laughing at your mistakes can ease embarrassment and help get you through awkward situations.

Life is serious enough so remember to take time for the humor. Enjoy the inner peace provided by humor's "internal jogging" as the perfect solution when you need an attitude adjustment.

Remember - Don't let a day go by without a laugh.

Elaine Boltz, BA, is Account Executive with Employee Assistance Services at Life Management Associates. A Certified Laughter Leader (CLL) through the World Laughter Tour, Elaine facilitates Laughter Clubs where therapeutic laughter is used for health and wellness.