VOL. XIX, NO. 6
JANUARY 13, 1978
Laughter Proves Medicine
BY SUSAN SCHWINGBECK
When was the last time you had a good laugh? Not just a polite giggle or a carefully guarded snicker but a real out and out laugh. If the answer is "no" or "not lately," you don't know what you are missing. The saying, "Laughter is the Best Medicine," has more truth to it than you may realize.
Laughter is an expression of happiness. It may be caused by humor, nervousness, or just plain good spirits. Everyone is capable of a good laugh now and then, aren't they? It's something that doesn't need to be taught or learned. Just as crying expresses sadness, laughing expresses a feeling of good cheer or happiness.
Since the ability to laugh at ourselves and our troubles is an often sought after commodity, people pay to watch plays and movies just to enjoy themselves and have a good laugh.
When was the last time you had a good laugh? Not just a polite giggle or a carefully guarded snicker but a real out and out laugh. If the answer is "no" or "not lately," you don't know what you are missing. The saying, "Laughter is the Best Medicine," has more truth to it than you may realize.
Laughter is an expression of happiness. It may be caused by humor, nervousness, or just plain good spirits. Everyone is capable of a good laugh now and then, aren't they? It's something that doesn't need to be taught or learned. Just as crying expresses sadness, laughing expresses a feeling of good cheer or happiness.
Since the ability to laugh at ourselves and our troubles is an often sought after commodity, people pay to watch plays and movies just to enjoy themselves and have a good laugh.
Laughter has become big business, if you haven't already noticed. More and more witty people are going into show business as comedians or comedy writers, and they're making big money at what they're enjoying.
Although spontaneity is the key, good comedy tactics may be taught by qualified people. The College of Comedy in New York offers courses in joke telling and writing for people interested in comedy careers.
Finally, for all you health nuts out there, laughter is good for you physically. When you laugh, your diaphragm forces air in and out of your lungs. This gets more oxygen into your blood, revving up circulation and making you feel better all over. Speaking of health nuts, did you hear the one about. . .
Although spontaneity is the key, good comedy tactics may be taught by qualified people. The College of Comedy in New York offers courses in joke telling and writing for people interested in comedy careers.
Finally, for all you health nuts out there, laughter is good for you physically. When you laugh, your diaphragm forces air in and out of your lungs. This gets more oxygen into your blood, revving up circulation and making you feel better all over. Speaking of health nuts, did you hear the one about. . .