[Interest] Laugh Lines

Get a Life: Do a Lot More LaughingBy Loretta LaRocheIf we were to believe everything we saw in television commercials, we'dthink that we live in a society where people laugh endlessly and everybody'shaving a great time. The truth is that most of us aren't laughing all thatmuch. In fact, Americans come in No. 11 in a survey of worldwide humor.The top laughers in the world are Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. It'shard to believe that individuals who come from a climate that is sochallenging have that much to laugh about, especially if you listen to theweather whining that goes on in New England. Most of the Northeast waits fora balmy day before it can even conjure up a smile. I believe that ultimatelyit is our culture that drives us to be more dour. After all, it's prettyhard to crank out those guffaws when we're constantly on the go and all weseem to care about is accomplishing as much as possible. When I ask myworkshop participants why they're not laughing more, they give me thefollowing excuses:They're too busy. Let's face it, will we ever not be busy? Maybe at our funeral!We're afraid of appearing foolish, inappropriate or nonfunctioning.I don't know who we think is watching us, but they're just as busy, so why wouldthey bother being concerned about what we're doing.Our own inner critics. Many of us were brought up with parents who thoughtlevity had a time frame. Haven't we all heard the following: "You're havingtoo much fun."The need to be viewed as an overly responsible individual. After all, ifyou're not producing, you're a dud.All this distorted thinking is creating millions of depressed people.People who feel like they live in a pressure cooker. When we give ourselves theopportunity to laugh and play and have fun along the way, we release thepressure. In essence, we let out some steam.Don't allow yourself to wait to have some great healing giggles. Make sureit is part of your daily routine. If you're not that good at laughing atyourself or your minor irritations, gather some friends and have a laughfest at your home once in awhile.We often need reminders to not take ourselves too seriously. I wish everyphysician would prescribe a healthy dose of laughter to all his patients.Itwould make a significant difference in blood pressure, attitude and in howwe handle stressful situations. I thank the stars above for my ability to becompletely irreverent. It has been a blessing that has gotten me through themost difficult times.Remember: "He who laughs lasts."