A 90-year-old man was out for a walk when heard a voice say, "Hey, pick me up." He looked around but didn't see anything so he kept walking.  "Hey, pick me up," he heard again.  This time he saw a small frog by the side of the path, so he picked it up. The frog told him, "If you kiss me I'll turn into a princess and I'll give you the best time you ever had." The man put the frog in his pocket and continued his walk. "Didn't you hear me? I'm a princess," said the frog. The old man replied, "Sure I heard you, but at my age I'd rather have a talking frog!"

This joke came from an international joke site on the Internet., proof that everyone enjoys a good laugh now and then.  And probably for good reason - researchers are telling us that laughing more often can make us happier and healthier.

The Healing Laugh

William Fry, a doctor who conducted a study at Standford University to detail the physiologic effects of humor, mirth and laughter, found many health benefits associated with this purely pleasurable experience, including:

• Improved muscle tone
• Increased heart rate
• Reduced pain
• Reduced stress
• Increased hormone production
• Improved circulation
• Increased amount of oxygen in the blood
• Increased relaxation

Dr. Fry believes that laughter induces the brain to release certain hormones, which in turn cause the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Laughter also serves as a temporary distraction to pain, since every brain pathway occupied with the task of laughing is one less pathway, carrying the pain message.

By contracting the chest, abdomen and shoulder muscles, laughter serves as a mini-workout, reducing blood pressure and heart rate and leading to a relaxed mental and physical state. Think about it: Laughing 'til your sides ache requires a great deal of effort by your stomach muscles.

While research shows that humor can promote the cure of some types of illness and possibly prevent others, the connection between emotional and physical health, however, is a strong one. And continuing research will show us better how to use one to benefit the other.

The Joy of Living

If your life could use more joy, try the following techniques:

• Start a humor collection. Stock up on whatever tickles your funny bone - humorous videotapes, books, a pair of Groucho Marx glasses, articles by your favorite humor columnist.  After a tough day escape to your humor collection for a quick pick-me-up.
  
• Create a joy list. Make a lit of all your blessings, including people, events and praiseworthy things about yourself. Read it at the end of each week.
• Be playful, imaginative. Don't squash the child in you. Wear read socks. Buy that nifty remote control Ferrari you spied in the toy store window. Keep your mind open to silly, irreverent thoughts.
• Sieze the moment. Don't put off your happiness for a better time.
• Don't try to be a comedian. It's far more important to see the fun in everyday experiences than to be funny.

These techniques are helpful for those who may not "feel" particularly happy, whether because of genuinely serious concerns or an equally serious case of pessimism. American philosopher and psychologist William James also co-founded Pragmatism, a belief that the truth of any idea lies in its practical consequences. How fitting that his thoughts on happiness give us laughter as a practical starting point. "We don't laugh because we are happy," he wrote. "We are happy because we laugh."

About the Author

My name is Dana Cutter and I am Founder and Editor of Medicare Sherpa. Our staff spends their days searching the Internet for the best content and advice on retirement.  On our site you will find articles on Social Security, Medicare Benefits, Prescription Drug Benefits and more. Please feel fee to send me an email with ideas for content, site improvements or general help launching your online persona. I hope you will consider joining and I am looking forward to reading more about you online.

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