Tuesday, December 16, 2008

h.Have fun and enjoy good humor.

To read more about humor and stress click here.


h. Have fun and enjoy good humor.
Norman Cousins, in his groundbreaking book, Anatomy of an Illness: As Perceived by the Patient speaks extensively about the power of humor in the healing process. (He also speaks a great deal about problems commonly found in hospitals of his day. Fortunately many of these problems have been remedied in many of the world’s hospitals.) Both Love Medicine and Miracles and Minding the Body Mending the Mind also speak about the power of humor. Since that time, extensive research has been conducted and much written about the power of importance of laughter and humor in the improvement of health and reduction of stress i.e. here.
In this context there are two types of fun and humor:
Fun and Humor that divides.
This type of fun and humor is usually at the expense of an individual or group. It actually causes stress, friction and discord.
Fun and Humor that unites.
This type of fun or humor provides opportunities for bonding, healthy laughter, and fun at the expense of no one. It often builds relationships and also helps create a physiological change and an actual improvement in well being.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

To me humor is everything! It has gotten me and my family through many many difficult trials in life. Working in the daycare setting I have seen the effects of both "kinds" of humor when it is related to children. I have noticed that the day goes smoother and the kids (along with teachers) have a better day filled with laughter when everyone is on the same page and joking with each other instead of at one another. I think it is important to teach the younger generation that humor is okay. In fact humor is great! Might to the world some good!

Anonymous said...

Kids love to laugh and make jokes with adults, this can be done with a funny face or noise. The greatest is when a baby or toddler laughs since it make everyone else in the room smile. Good humor should never make a child feel bad or picked on. Knock, knock jokes are great because kids think they are hilarious.
Theresa Stinnett

Jenni said...

I feel in my line of work there is nothing better then a good laugh, its good for you, your co-workers and your kids that you work with. My co-teacher and I feel that laughter and sillyness that we share with the kids makes us enjoy our job more and its a great way to get rid of stress.

Anonymous said...

Laughter is the best medicine...
I tent to bond better with my kids when we are working together in good spirits as opposed to being grumpy. Taking a time out to lighten the mood is very helpful. And seeing the humor in things, such as the army scoot of a baby, the funny little corks in a child's language skills, or the mis haps when trying to accomplish something has definiately benefited me. and the saying goes, "if momma ain't happy, no one is happy" rings VERY true.
katie bowman

Brandie M said...

My family gets through life by laughing with each other. They each have a quick wit and will try to crack each other up. It's great because when things get tense someone will crack a joke and get us laughing!

Katie said...

When life gets crazy the best thing to do is laugh. It relieves the stress that is building up inside myself.

Denise said...

Laughter is the best medicine! My favorite laughter is a childs laugh.

sharon said...

Good humor is great. It makes you happy and makes you feel you are a part of things. Sometimes when you are feeling down watch a good funny movie.

Gwenevere said...

Laughter is the best medicine!
As adults we don't laugh nearly as a much as kids do. I'm not sure that's a good thing. Maybe the responsibility of being a parent has something to do with that. Maybe we just need to be reminded to include things in our lives that are funny. We could all use the increase in endorphins & better health.