Go and Have a Laugh!
Written by Mike Cheliak on March 25, 2009 – 8:48 am -I have been a Satellite Radio (SIRIUS) subscriber for 3 years now. Particularly in the last year, I have been listening to RAW DOG Comedy, Blue Collar Radio and Laugh USA (When the kids are in the car). These are the three comedy stations on Satellite Radio and play a variety of comedians via short stand-up clips (3-5 minutes usually).
I have never laughed this much! I watch the odd special on HBO or the Comedy Network and there are hundreds of absolutely side splitting funny comedians out there. Carlos Mencia, Jim Gaffigan, Mitch Hedberg (RIP), Bobby Collins, Mitch Fatel, Greg Geraldo and tonnes more! I listen to Comedy about 50% of the time I am in my car and LMAO all the time! I often get looks from other drivers and I am sure they think I am at major whack job.
Health Research has long touted the benefits of laughing. The old saying “Laughter is the Best Medicine” is true. Studies have clearly proven that laughter has numerous health benefits. It reduces stress, lifts your mood, is contagious and positive and even has long term connections to mental health! Laughter can be used as a tool in teaching, public speaking and when used properly can reduce the fear of both the speaker and audience.
The problem we adults have is that we don’t laugh nearly as much as we should. Kids seem to have cornered the market on laughter. “By the time a child reaches nursery school, he or she will laugh about 300 times a day. Adults laugh an average of 17 times a day.” “Science of Laughter” Discovery Health. Does that not tell a story? While it is silly to think that we can be as happy-go-lucky as a 4 year old; we are clearly lacking in the laughs department!
So What do you have to lose? Find a reason to laugh! Especially if you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Watch a Stand up Comedian on TV, visit a local comedy club, subscribe to Satellite Radio, read something funny print or online, tell a joke or watch a funny movie; the key is to find reasons to laugh. Nothing breaks up your day like a good raw meaningful bout of laughter and you will be all the better for it!
In Happiness (Laughter) and Health as always,
Mike C.
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