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Humor Therapy
adapted from an article in Fitness Management, January 2002, by Barbara A. Brehm, Ed. D.

This week begins with April Fool's Day - traditionally a day to engage in practical jokes. Practical jokes can be fun (Hopefully, they are not hurtful or distressing.) and a way to practice humor. Most people have an intuitive belief in the health benefits of humor, laughter and pleasure, but forget to take humor seriously when they find themselves in the middle of a stressful day. Of course, you can't take humor too seriously, but you can probably use it more often to relieve the pressure of the daily grind. Here are some suggestions for maximizing the stress-reduction effects of humor and laughter.

Lift your spirits with positive humor
One of the ways in which humor and laughter exert their beneficial effects is by bringing up positive feelings, such as happiness, affection and hope. Looking on the bright side of life has many psychological and physical health benefits. If the funny story you are smiling or laughing about puts you in a good (or at least a better) mood, elicits positive feelings, and doesn't alienate the people you are with, then you are experiencing positive humor.
The flip side of this observation is that negative humor is no joking matter. Have you ever tried to discuss something with a flippant, sarcastic person who turned your serious conversation into a joke? This type of "humor" alienates people and blocks constructive problem solving. Also destructive is using humor to insult people. "Humor" can also be used to avoid dealing with difficult situations that really need to be dealt with. On the other hand, positive humor can cultivate the good will and energy necessary to tackle a difficult situation.

Use humor to bring people together
Laughter brings people together, and sharing a humorous story or situation increases feelings of closeness and friendliness. Some researchers believe that the social support that accompanies laughing with others is one of the factors responsible for the health benefits of humor.
Humor is easiest to use with people you are most familiar, such as family members and close friends. In fact, your friends may be your friends partly because they have a sense of humor that is similar to yours. You know what kinds of humor to which these people respond, so go for it. Has your partner or best friend had a bad day at work? Rent or go out to see a funny movie. Send funny cards to those you love. Laughter and fun can strengthen your most important relationships.

Take laughing lessons from children
Children are innately playful and love to laugh. As we grow older, we laugh less and find fewer occasions to play. Children will laugh their way through card and board games, backyard sports and silly stories. If you work with young children or have children in your life, write down the funny and interesting things they say and do. If you have children in your family, be happy that laughing together is not only fun, but it strengthens your relationship with them.

Enjoy the antics of your pets
Many people find humor in the funny things their pets do. Almost any kind of pet has its funny moments, and provides pet therapy along with opportunities for laughter. Dogs don't seem to mind being laughed at, as long as they know you love them, but your cats might be embarrassed, so reassure your cats that you are laughing with them, not at them.

Cultivate your humor resource collection
Save jokes, comics, cards, photographs, and pictures that strike you as humorous. Keep a list of funny and uplifting movies you have seen and watch them alone or with friends. You may even wish to buy a few films that you don't seem to get tired of.
Enjoy books that are collections from your favorite comic strips; buy some or borrow them frequently from your local library. If your newspaper carries comics, read them daily and save the really funny ones. Send copies to your friends, put them up on bulleting boards at work and add new ones to your refrigerator collection.