Laugh yourself to Health
By: Patrick M. Kennedy
And why is this important? It must have benefits. Did you ever notice how longevity in Hollywood looks as if it must be a custom and maybe a mandatory qualification in the world of comedians? Bob Hope and George Burns kidded around for a 100 years, Milton Berle for 93, and Jack Benny at 80 and Red Buttons at 87 both left laughing a little earlier, but beat the odds. They probably laughed themselves to health. “Life is far too important to be taken seriously,” said Oscar Wilde. Maybe they are trying to tell us something through example.
As we elbow our way toward a life based around easy-going and long-lasting coffee breaks, being silly is OK; after all, grandma often told us that laughter is good medicine and it keeps us healthy physically, mentally and socially; at least she should have said that. But it’s not an easy task; being a clown or a joker is hard work. It must be practiced every day … and maybe every moment … to keep a sharp edge.
And don’t let it trouble you if some question your new outward comic approach to life, simply beam a Mona Lisa grin and give them an Eddie Cantor eye roll. Learning to adopt a lighter outlook and seeing the amusing side of everyday situations will give you the resilience you need to cope with frustrating tough situations. ‘I’ve seen it all,’ you may respond, just don’t let on that you can’t remember it all.
It’s not necessary to pedal your bike around town with a balloon attached to your bonnet as was recently reported. That was a little over the top … so to speak. There must be a thin line between being silly, and being foolish. Being silly probably causes laughter, while being foolish may cause embarrassment or harm. Breaking out that toothy smile and a pleasant anecdote more often is a better option than planting banana peels along the sidewalk, or tossing water balloons from the window. That’s kid’s stuff … but then again …
But on a more serious note about laughter; they do say there are benefits to being funny. Physical health benefits might be a stronger immune system, improved cardiovascular health, reduced stress hormones, reduced pain, and muscle relaxation. Mental health benefits, you might think about,less stress, reduced anger and anxiety, increased joy, aliveness, being more positive, optimistic mood, a sense of control, and maybe increased emotional intelligence … who knows … maybe even a gig as a stand-up comedian.
Being a cranky or crabby person is like being the square peg at a round-hole party, you don’t fit in at many places.
The opposite of being silly is being logical, rational, reasonable, serious, sound, and weighty. The only things left out of this list are very starched collars and black garments. Cool, crazy, daffy, dippy, dizzy, wacky and colorful garments are more what you are looking for.
Mel Brooks, comedian and actor who is still splitting sides in his 80s, believes that “Humor is just another defense against the universe.” At every poll taken of residents at every Memorial Park, everyone who responded agreed that humor probably would have given them a few more days. And they also suggested that you be nice to the people around you, they may be the ones who choose your new stone home.
The goal of having a sense of humor is happiness ... in and around us. It’s not a new thing; Aristotle said back in about the year 350 BC, “Happiness depends upon our selves.” We have to do it and make the effort.
Practicing a toothy grin in front of a mirror may work. After all, many TV news anchor people must do it daily: Keeping sharp by reading joke books and online gag sites must help. Exchanging jokes with friends by e-mail is a current activity done by many. Humor is everywhere and in everything and is an art that requires continuous tweaking and a love for people; and is not for those with over-sized egos.
Lots of times the result of your attempt at humor, the laughter you expected, may be replaced by a loud and collective groan. If there are no risks and chances taken, there are no rewards. Silliness sometimes is its own reward, even when you are the only one laughing. Being silly is OK, you will live longer, or so the joke goes.
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