Wikipedia defines laughter as;
Laughing is an involuntary reaction to certain external or internal stimuli. Laughter can arise from such activities as being tickled,[1] or from humorous stories or thoughts.[2] Most commonly, it is considered a visual expression of a number of positive emotional states, such as joy, mirth, happiness, relief, etc. On some occasions, however, it may be caused by contrary emotional states such as embarrassment, apology, or confusion ("nervous laughter)" or courtesy laugh. Factors such as age, gender, education, language, and culture are determinant factors[3] as to whether a person will experience laughter in a given situation.
Laughter is a part of human behavior regulated by the brain, helping humans clarify their intentions in social interaction and providing an emotional context to conversations. Laughter is used as a signal for being part of a group — it signals acceptance and positive interactions with others. Laughter is sometimes seen as contagious, and the laughter of one person can itself provoke laughter from others as a positive feedback.[4] This may account in part for the popularity of laugh tracks in situation comedy television shows.
The study of humor and laughter, and its psychological and physiological effects on the human body, is called gelotology.
Now on with today's story-
I went to see a friend this week and my brother was there. When he and I are together we usually have a good laugh about some of our childhood shenanigans. Like when I was going on my first date and he arrived to find me duck tapped to the front porch. Or, the time my glasses got broken due to us rough housing. Important info to know is that a paper towel DOES NOT wipe super glue off of glasses. I spent the next day bouncing off things because of the haze over my lenses. She asked us where we got our witty sense of humor from. I thought to my self. "self; laughter was our only way of surviving our childhood".
Then being the deep thinker that I am, I started to explore just how much all of us use laughter for different reasons. Like for my brother and I it was probably, subconsciously, an escape from what we dealt with.
Think about how often at a funeral you will see groups of people standing in a huddle telling funny stories about the deceased. No matter if it's out of nervousness or sadness, that's how a lot of people deal with death.
Even during an interview or a class, some people get the giggles (yes even guys) as a coping mechanism for stress.
Laughter is good for your health
- 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 well-being 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/life/humor_laughter_health.htm
I think most women would say one of the top things they want in a mate is someone to make them laugh. I am drawn to people who are witty and quick with a comeback.
So, when your doctor tells you that you have a bad case of the lemonitis, maybe rent a movie, check out YouTube or call your funniest friend.
Here are a list of movies that make me LOL;
http://www.amazon.com/Whole-Nine-Yards-Bruce-Willis/dp/0790750422
http://www.amazon.com/The-Sweetest-Thing-Unrated-Edition/dp/B000069HYG
http://www.amazon.com/Napoleon-Dynamite-Jon-Heder/dp/B00005JNBQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1375282684&sr=1-1&keywords=nepolian+dynamite
http://www.amazon.com/American-Reunion-Unrated-Jason-Biggs/dp/B005LAIH9A/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1375282709&sr=1-1&keywords=american+pie+reunion
My truch is always tuned to the comedy channel on XM.
Here are a few great comdeians to check out on youtube that I promise will make you smile
Kathleen Madigan
John Pinnette
Bob Marley
Kenn Kingston
Craig Shoemaker
Frank Caliendo
Leanne Morgan (local girl)
Jon Reep (from HICK-ory NC)
As, for my brother, I truly believe my sense of humor came from him. Thank you Woody for teaching me early on to laugh even when everything around you is wrong. I Love you forever!
Until next time- Safe Picking and Laugh On!!!
Tammy
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