How To Have...Or Gain...A Sense Of Humor...

Sunday, January 03, 2010

Are you afraid you have an underdeveloped---or nonexistent---funny bone? Developing or refining your own particular sense of humor may be easier than you think.

PUT HUMOR ON YOUR HORIZON. Find a few simple items, such as photos or comic strips, that elicit a chuckle from you or others. Then hang them at home, in your office or even on the visor of your car.

LAUGH AND THE WORLD LAUGHS WITH YOU. Find a way to laugh about your own situations and watch your stress begin to fade away.

THINK POSITIVE. Look for the positive or the humorous in every situation and surround yourself with others who do the same.

KNOCK-KNOCK. Browse through your local bookstore or library's selection of joke books and get a few rib ticklers in your repertoire that you can share with friends. Also, telling friends about funny personal experiences with you or your family is also effective, especially if they know you well.

KNOW WHAT ISN'T FUNNY. Don't laugh at the expense of others. Some forms of humor aren't appropriate. Use your best judgment to discern a good joke from a bad, or hurtful one.

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE
Go ahead and give it a try. Turn the corners of your mouth up into a smile and then give a laugh, even if it feels a little forced. Once you've had your hearty chuckle, take stock of how you're feeling. Are your muscles a little less tense? Do you feel more relaxed or buoyant? That's the natural wonder of laughing at work.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BENDER7 1/4/2010 7:30AM

My funny bone is probably the most well deloped part of my body. So while I need to exercise the rest of me, I'll be sure not to neglect my funnybone. Report Inappropriate Comment

CELEST 1/3/2010 3:18PM

I LOVE humor and use it often. In fact, I did an online personality test once called "tickle tests"and it said I engage the world in humor. Thanks for the blog. Report Inappropriate Comment

ALICIA214 1/3/2010 2:06PM

I cant imagine life without a sense of humour, and being a Brit mine is just a little bit warped,but I dont believe in laughing at someone elses pain, did that when I was a kid and didnt know any better. Must agree with you, laughter is the best medicine. So here is to many more hearty chuckles. Report Inappropriate Comment

FLAME42 1/3/2010 2:04PM

I do have a lot of experiences to recall that bring a smile or even a laugh. Will try to put them front and center in my mind. Some experiences don't seem real funny at the time but when you look back at them they bring a chuckle. Keep you funny bone working!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Stress Relief From Laughter???

Saturday, January 02, 2010

Stress Relief From Laughter? Yes, no joke!!!
When it comes to relieving stress, more giggles and belly laughs are just what the doctor ordered. Here's why......
Whether you're overcome with giggles during the most hysterical moments of a movie or you twitter away at the highbrow humor of a New Yorker cartoon, laughing does you good. Laughter helps you deal with a variety of maladies, including the stresses of daily life.
Stress-relief benefits from a belly laugh.....
Laughter's health benefits are no joke. A good sense of humor can't cure all ailments, but data are mounting about the positive things laughter can do.
Short- term benefits.....
A good laugh has great short-term effects. When you start to laugh, it doesn't just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body.
Laughter can:
STIMULATE YOUR ORGANS. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
ACTIVATE AND RELIEVE YOUR STRESS RESPONSE. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response and increases your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling.
SOOTHE TENSION AND STOMACHACHES. Laughter can also ease digestion and stimulate circulation, which helps reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.

Long-term effects.....
Laughter isn't just a quick pick-me-up, though. It's also good for you over the long haul. Laughter may:
IMPROVE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can impact your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. In contrast, positive thoughts actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more serious illnesses.
RELIEVE PAIN. Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers.
INCREASE PERSONAL SATISFACTION. Laughter can also make difficult situationsa a little bit easier.

Sounds like a good thing to do at least once a day..........or more!!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BENDER7 1/2/2010 10:32PM

Always knew it made me feel better--now I can see why it does that. Thanks for sharing. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 1/2/2010 3:40PM

Awesome post! Laughter is the Best Medicine. Hugs, Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

FLAME42 1/2/2010 12:47PM

Sounds like a great idea. I could use something to relieve the tensions right now. Can't even think of anything funny at the moment but will try. If stress can make you ill I am in deep trouble. Will focus on some of the funny times I have had with a "certain friend", that should bring a smile to my face. Letting thoughts of wigs, fake tattoos, possums and other adventures wash over me, I think it is working! Thanks for being in my life!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ELKA423 1/2/2010 11:52AM

Thank you for this great article. I totally agree laughter is great medicine. Putting a smile on your face when you are feeling tense and stressed can relax the face muscles and release good hormones and help you feel better. One of my coworkers listens to comedy tapes on her MP3 and through the quiet of the work morning, suddenly she will be laughing out loud. Makes me laugh along with just to hear her having so much fun. This year I am going to join her with my own comedy tapes. Report Inappropriate Comment

My Wish For You In 2010

Friday, January 01, 2010

May peace break into your
house and may thieves come to
steal your debts. May the
pockets of your jeans become a
magnet of $100 bills. May love
stick to your face like Vaseline
and may laughter assault your
lips! May your clothes smell of
success like smoking tires and
may happiness slap you across
the face and may your tears be
that of joy. May the problems
you had forget your home
address! In simple words........

May 2010 be the best year of your life!!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SUNNY332 1/2/2010 3:40PM

Awe I love these new year's wishes. Thanks so much. Report Inappropriate Comment

BENDER7 1/2/2010 8:30AM

Right back at you! Wishing you all the best in 2010. Report Inappropriate Comment

FLAME42 1/1/2010 6:01PM

I am definitely hoping 2010 will be a GREAT year for you!! Report Inappropriate Comment

CELEST 1/1/2010 3:49PM

That was brilliant.....may it all happen to me and may I LOSE ALL MY WEIGHT LOL Report Inappropriate Comment

Traditions

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Our holiday traditions have carried us through difficult times. When there was little money to buy gifts, our unchanging traditons diverted our attention from what we didn't have to what we did.
It never ceases to amaze me that hardly any of us can recall the gifts we received as recently as last year, but we remember exactly what we did, who came to visit and everything that contributed to the warmth and wonder of the season.
If you are anxious to start some holiday traditions in your home, look for guidance in the stories of Christmas or Hanukkah, or the festivities celebrated in your family's country of origin. Interview your parents or grandparents to learn about their childhood family traditions. Resurrect them. Emulate the activities of the happiest people you know. Watch what they do during the holidays and start doing that yourself. If you do something once and plan to do it again, it qualifies as a tradition.
I've never dreaded the close of the holidays or considered repacking our decorations a depressing chore. As I put everything away, I think about how quickly time passes, and how soon I'll be unpacking again. I daydream about what might happen in the next twelve months, wonder what possible challenges or dramatic changes we'll face in the coming year. Our lives could be altered drastically by the time I open these boxes again.
I wish all of you a Wonderful 2010.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BENDER7 1/1/2010 7:25AM

How true--it's not the stuff, but the interactions with others that make the memories & traditions. HAPPY 2010! Report Inappropriate Comment

FLAME42 12/31/2009 7:57PM

Great message! Family traditions are so important and fun. Over time some of them change to fit the changes around us but most of them at least live on in our hearts & memories. I will think of your last paragraph as I am putting away the boxes this year. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Report Inappropriate Comment

One Of My Favorites.......

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

WIFE VS. HUSBAND.......

A couple drove down a country road for several miles, NOT saying a word.
An earlier discussion had led to an argument and
neither of them wanted to concede their position.
As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats, and pigs,
the husband asked sarcastically, "Relatives of yours?"
"Yup," the wife replied, "INLAWS"!!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BENDER7 12/31/2009 8:16AM

Cute--made me smile. Report Inappropriate Comment

FLAME42 12/30/2009 10:16PM

Just goes to show how quick women are, don't try to trick them. Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBBIER9 12/30/2009 1:20PM

very funny Report Inappropriate Comment

PJSTIME 12/30/2009 1:06PM

Great come back. Love it. PJ Report Inappropriate Comment

CELEST 12/30/2009 10:14AM

ha ha ha ha ha excellent Report Inappropriate Comment