October 15, 2019 —
By Frances Kolarek —
I know how to pick up on cues. First, along comes a full page in the Mayo Clinic Health Letter about laughter and its benefits. Right on its heels is an article in Psychology Today on the same subject by Dr. Robert Grieger, practicing psychologist and published author. He jumps right in to the subject: “Simply said, we have a built-in tendency to take ourselves too seriously.“ We make demands upon ourselves, he adds, that can prove stressful and ultimately self-defeating. Like they say in 12-step meetings, “Don’t should all over yourself.”
Mayo approaches the issue in a more serious tone. “Laughter is an important component of health and well-being for yourself and those around you.” It calls humor and laughter “essential to the rise of the modern human.” How so? “By serving as a coping strategy in hard times, by fostering bonding and group cohesion and by aiding in peacemaking … .”
The message? A good laugh will work wonders when things get tense between you and the people you live among.
Why do you think the blonde was staring at the orange juice carton? Because it said “concentrate.” The “dumb blonde” jokes have long been a favorite of mine. Before I turned gray I was a distinct blonde. Being able to laugh at myself has proved a lifesaver in many sticky situations.
A well-aimed one liner can defuse tension and prevent a confrontation. This advice echoes Dr. Grieger. He adds: “It is next to impossible to feel stressed, angry, anxious or depressed when you laugh. Laughter not only provides pleasure, but it also serves to reduce stress and other forms of emotional misery, such as anxiety and fear.”
And the Mayo Clinic agrees. “When it comes to health and well-being, there’s research to suggest that laughter and humor may provide physical benefits, stress and tension relief, and social benefits.” You can’t hate the guy who hands you a laugh.
And Mayo says, “humor or laughter may not come as naturally to some people as it does to others.” For the uptight, Mayo suggests taking in a slapstick movie — I suggest a good, old-fashioned Marx brothers comedy.
Find a way to laugh at your most recent foible. So the kid has his baseball cap on backward. It’s just a crazy kid thing, not a social affront. Lighten up and laugh at your “old fogy” tendencies. “Build your funny bone,” Grieger says.
Try to spend time with people who amuse you, who make you laugh. Seek their companionship. I am always happy to see Jack coming toward me. I know he will laugh at something dumb I will say, and I’ll laugh at his quips. Both leave feeling fond of each other and ourselves. And that’s where the therapy lies. Feeling good about yourself.
Oops. How did that whiteout get on my monitor? That blonde who lives here must have used my computer. Blondes are SO dumb.
Now, now girl. Don’t blow your stack. Take it easy. Laugh it off.
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