In the second month, the normal human infant breaks into its first smile. The expression is often considered as reflex action, but it soon becomes social, and in the fourth month it develops into that explosive, exclusively human breath pattern called laughter. Laughter makes you feel good. And the good feeling that you get when you laugh remains with you even after the laughter subsides. Humor helps you
keep a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations, disappointments, and loss.
More than just a respite from sadness and pain, laughter gives you the courage and strength to find new sources of meaning and hope. Even in the most difficult of times, a laugh-or even simply a smilecan go a long way toward making you feel better. And laughter really is contagious-just hearing laughter primes your brain and readies you to smile and join in on the fun.
Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. Humor and playful communication strengthen our relationships by triggering positive feelings and fostering emotional connection. When we laugh with one another, a positive bond is created. This bond acts as a strong buffer against stress, disagreements, and disappointment.
In addition to the domino effect of joy and amusement, laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, and keeps you grounded.
With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems. To Germany’s great pessimistic philosopher, Arthur Schopenhauer, laughter was man’s dauntless ally in the battle against “that strict, untiring, troublesome governess, Reason”. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.
Internet: <www.time.com>, <www.helpguide.org> (adapted).
