Humor has been scientifically proven to have an impact on several body systems: muscles are activated; the heart rate is increased; and respiration is amplified with an increase in oxygen exchange. All these effects are similar to some of those provided by aerobic exercise. Mirthful laughter is followed by a state of compensatory physical relaxation and diminishing physical tension. It’s good for you. Norman Cousins calls laughter “internal jogging.”

It’s also true that laughter and learning go hand-in-hand. Humor stirs the cerebral neurons. It invites and maximizes the learning process. It inspires creativity. Humor gets you thinking in unexpected associations.

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Laughter and a sense of play may be two of the most important interpersonal skills you will learn in order to survive. Humor and play, like any form of nourishment, make human existence possible and enjoyable. It is the one form of exercise recommended that you don’t need to warm up to gradually, and you won’t need your doctor’s approval to get started.

My friend says,
“Humor has always been a very important part of my life. As I was growing up, I was taught that no matter what, laughter needs to be a part of everyday life. I have always looked for the funny side of things. Laughter has helped me recover from failure, and life threatening cancer. If we listen and observe, we can find humor all around us. My successes have been enhanced and my shortcomings buffered by the always apparent availability of fun and laughter.

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Many people say they have a good sense of humor. Perhaps they enjoy laughing, but how often do they let this funderful experience occur?