As we continue to live in our strange new land, one of the coping strategies to draw on is humor. Laughter is a great antidote to depression and research has shown that the more we laugh, the less depressed we are. I recently read a research article about how doctors can use more humor in interacting with their patients. The article opened with a great story.
“Legend has it that shortly after Adam was created, he complained: ‘O, Lord! You have given the lion fierce teeth and claws, and the elephant formidable tusks; you have given the deer swiftness of legs, and the turtle a protective shell; you have given the birds of flight wings, but you have left me altogether defenseless.’ And the Lord said unto Adam: ‘I shall give you an invisible weapon that will serve you and your children better than any weapons of fight or flight, a power that will save you even from yourself. I shall give you a sense of humor.’” *
At times of such upheaval in the world, we may feel guilty laughing or having fun. Especially if you are watching the news at all, it is easy to feel that you are not allowed to have fun and laugh. I remember being in a meeting on 9/11 and someone said something funny and we all laughed just as someone walked into the meeting. The person looked at us and said, “Did you hear what happened?” We all immediately felt shame for laughing during such a tragic day. But laughter is a coping strategy and one that can help relieve stress in difficult times.
Laughter can block deep feelings of apprehension and even panic. Laughing about a situation can help us see the situation in a different way so we can see other possibilities. There is even reference in the bible with a proverb that reads, “A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Research supports laughter as being good for us. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress and can leave your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after. Laughter also boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies. This improves your resistance to disease. So all around enjoy some laughter!
Ideas for increasing laughter:
1. Family Game Night: Turn off the TV and gather around for a fun night of games whether it’s your roommates, children, partner, or just friends.
2. Watch the old great comedies like Seinfeld, Scrubs, or Cheers. I watched Dick VanDyke show last week and forgot how funny his humor is!
3. Have internet calls with family and friends: Get together for a silly hat hour, hawaiian night or other fun themed hour of chat.
4. Watch silly YouTube videos like guilty dogs or funniest reasons kids called 911. Just type in the search bar and be prepared to laugh!
“To truly laugh, you must be able to take your pain and play with it.”
CHARLIE CHAPLIN
“As soap is to the body, so laughter is to the soul.”
JEWISH PROVERB
“Trouble knocked at the door, but, hearing laughter, hurried away.”
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
* Taken from Indian J Psychiatry. 2006 Jul-Sep; 48(3): 177–180.
Joke’s A Part’: In defence of humour G. Swaminath*
—
Karen W. Malm, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Executive Director
Summit Community Counseling
5689 S. Redwood Rd. #27
Taylorsville, UT 84123
office:801-266-2485
cell: 801-599-0924
fax: 866-644-9206
