Laughter Really is the Best Medicine

They thought I'd die laughing...

“Hearty laughter is a good way to jog internally without having to go outdoors.” ~ Norman Cousins

“I wanted to be a doctor but I don’t have enough patience.” ~ Anonymous….and for good reason!

---

Norman Cousins, courtesy of Harvard Square Library

Laughter Therapy

After returning from a grueling trip to the USSR, Norman Cousins suddenly became ill and was diagnosed with a rare connective tissue disease. He was given 3 months to live and a 1 in 500 chance of recovery. (Yes, you are probably thinking that Putin poisoned him. My mind went there too)🧪

After a sleep deprived hospital stay (if you have spent any time in a hospital you know that someone is poking or prodding you about every 15 minutes) he returned home, determined to take matters into his own hands. With the support of his doctor, Cousins started treating himself with ‘laughter therapy’.

“Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.” ~ Mayo Clinic

My Idea of Endolphins (Endorphins) released in the brain. Image by johnstocker on Freepik.

Endorphins are neurotransmitters that are released by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in the brain. They can naturally alleviate pain and reduce stress. No drugs needed. (National Institutes of Health)

Norman Cousins watched Candid Camera and other comic films. For several months he spent his days laughing.

"I made the joyous discovery that ten minutes of genuine belly laughter had an anesthetic effect and would give me at least two hours of pain-free sleep," he reported. "When the pain-killing effect of the laughter wore off, we would switch on the motion picture projector again and not infrequently, it would lead to another pain-free interval."

He wrote about his experience in his book, Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient. Perhaps it helped that Cousins was known for his optimism, his kindness to others, and his joy for life. His ‘Laughter Therapy’ worked. He was cured.

We Have Been Bested by Kindergarteners

In July, 2021 I wrote about how we (adults) have been bested by kindergarteners. A five year old laughs about 300 times a day. An adult, just 17 times. Come on people. We can do better than that! Are we going to let those little kids beat us?

Bring laughter into your own life, share laughter with friends, crack a joke or two at work, be silly. Your laughter can help you and those around you lead a happier and healthier life. No prescription required.

Let’s Get This Party Started

1. I wasn’t able to make reservations at the library……they were completely booked.

2. Have you ever noticed that Ireland is just one sea away from Iceland?

3. What do sweet potatoes wear to bed? (answer below)

4. Why couldn’t the bike stand up? (answer below)

5. Why should you stay away from artists? (answer below)

6. I read a book about helium once. I couldn’t put it down.

Answers to 3, 4, 5:

That’s all. (Phew. You’re welcome 🤣)

May your week be filled with kindness…. and laughter.

See you next week.

Heather and Bill

PS - Visit the Kindness Magnet Library for more kindness inspiration!

PPS: If you haven’t joined our community yet, here’s an easy link. Just add your email to start getting Kindness Magnet in your Inbox each week. It’s free! (We are now in 60 countries)

Comments:

1. Got a pun to share? Come on….I know you’re itching to make us laugh…

2. Why did the pencil break up with the pen? (Ok, last one….really) Put your answer in the comments.

3. Thanks for being here. We appreciate you. 💚