A: Humor is not a cure-all, but a good laugh can have a positive effect on your overall wellness.
Research shows that people who laugh heartily on a regular basis have lower standing blood pressures. When you laugh your blood pressure initially increases and then decreases to below normal levels. Breathing becomes deeper, sending oxygen-enriched blood and nutrients throughout the body. Endorphins and other natural pain-relieving hormones are released, improving our ability to tolerate pain. Digestion also improves.
Humor provides an acceptable way to express and decompress feelings of hostility in an appropriate way. Research shows that the positive effects of laughter occur as early as a smile. To bring more smiles and laughter into your life, try one of these humor strategies:
1. Make a joy list. Write down five things you love to do but haven't done in quite some time. Select two things on that list and write down a date and time when you will do them.
2. Create a humor library. Collect humorous memos, bumper stickers, books, cassettes and videos. Next time you're feeling down, read, listen and view!
3. Get to know what amuses you. Who are your favorite comedians? What types of humor do you like?
4. Overcome your "fear of foolishness." When an embarrassing moment happens to you, choose to see it as a humorous incident.
Put on your humor-filtered glasses and you're more likely to notice humorous occurrences.
Remember, if something is thrown at you and you meet it straight on, you will fall backward. If you have a good sense of humor you can slide to the side and look at it from a different perspective.
( David M. Jacobson, M.S.W., manager of volunteer services, Department of Development and Community Services, University Medical Center, Tucson)
Health questions should be sent to: ASK AHSC, AHSC Office of Public Affairs, P.O. Box 245095, Tucson, AZ 85724-5095, or E-mail to: jspinell@u.arizona.edu.
ASK AHSC is published by the Office of Public Affairs, The University of Arizona Health Sciences Center.
Editors Note: To receive ASK AHSC via E-mail, call the AHSC Office of Public Affairs, (520)626-7301.
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