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Laughter The death of humor is analysis-Nobody
understands humor though theories abound! The biggest laughs at social occasions are not
jokes as most people can’t remember a joke. Laughter is generally a social event- we laugh
when meeting an old friend more than we usually do when alone.
Laughter Researchers asking people to laugh voluntarily
found they struggled when facing the camera, but when they turned to a person next to them, they could. Laughing seems to be out of our conscious
control. Ever tried NOT to laugh at a somber event? Ever tried to MAKE yourself laugh?
Theories of Humor : The purpose of humor for humankind Superiority Theory (Plato): We laugh at things that make us feel
superior or that helps increase unity among a group (“you might be a redneck if”,…jokes about political rivals..) Relief Theory (Freud): Laughter is a physical manifestation of
repressed thoughts or taboos (sexual humor, gallows humor) Incongruity Theory (Kant): People laugh at things that surprise
them or that violate the accepted norm (The sign said “24 banking” but I did not have that much time) Divinity Theory (Bonham): Humor makes order out of chaos. It is
a gift from God. God’s way of showing us we are not perfect.
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It’s not about the nail…
Richard Wiseman Psychologist researching humor laughlab.com
Two thousand jokes, generally 4 themes: Trying to look clever and messing up Husband and wife conflict Doctors being insensitive to imminent death God making a mistake
The funniest animal is a duck
Buckle down and work…
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The Physical Effects of Laughter The Physical Act of Laughing: Increases respiration and oxygen exchange Activates muscles - and then relaxes intercostals,
abdominals, diaphragm, muscles of neck and shoulders. A hearty belly laugh effects almost all muscle groups. Stimulates cardiovascular and sympathetic nervous systems Raises blood pressure during laughter, lowers it after Body temperature increases Release of our body’s natural pain relievers Increases salivary immunoglobulin A (evidence of immune
system health)
The Physical Effects of Laughter
Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of wellbeing and can even temporarily relieve pain.
Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm
Laughter and Social Support Be more spontaneous. Humor gets you out of your
head and away from your troubles. Let go of defensiveness. Laughter helps you forget
judgments, criticisms, and doubts. Release inhibitions. Your fear of holding back and
holding on are set aside. Express your true feelings. Deeply felt emotions are
allowed to rise to the surface.
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm
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Laughter and Mental Health Laughter dissolves distressing emotions. You can’t feel
anxious, angry, or sad when you’re laughing. Laughter helps you relax and recharge. It reduces
stress and increases energy, enabling you to stay focused and accomplish more. Humor shifts perspective, allowing you to see
situations in a more realistic, less threatening light. A humorous perspective creates psychological distance, which can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm
Function of Laughter So laughter serves to bond us together which is vital for
our mental, emotional and physical health. “The shortest distance between two people is a
laugh.” Victor Borge
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 For everything there is a season, A time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.
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What kinds of things make you laugh?
Having a humor toolkit
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Tool Box Ideas
Watch a funny movie or TV show.
Go to a comedy club.
Read the funny pages.
Seek out funny people.
Share a good joke or a funny story.
Check out your bookstore’s humor section.
Host game night with friends.
Play with a pet.
Go to a “laughter yoga” class.
Goof around with children.
Do something silly.
Make time for fun activities (e.g. bowling, miniature golfing, karaoke).
Some of my go-to humor medication
Humor about mental health
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