Many of our patients face chronic pain and disease every day of their lives. Yet, despite these challenges, they maintain a positive, resilient attitude. One of the ways to successfully navigate chronic health conditions is to keep laughing – despite our circumstances. We see it every day in our clinic – people who have no right to smile and laugh given their health situation still crack jokes and see the humor in life. Over the years, we’ve learned the power of healing with humor from these resilient patients. Here are some of the many ways they add laughter and lightness into the world.
Carry A Daily Joke In Your Pocket
If you’re like me, you may find it hard to remember jokes. But a poor memory need not stop you from sharing some laughter. Write down a joke each morning and carry it around with you. Then share it with everyone you meet.
Here are ten one-liners to get you started healing with humor, featured in Parade Magazine (https://parade.com/1041830/marynliles/clean-jokes/). The internet has millions more awaiting you.
1. There’s a fine line between a numerator and a denominator. Only a fraction of people will get this joke.
2. What do dentists call their x-rays?
Tooth pics.
3. Did you hear about the first restaurant to open on the moon?
It had great food but no atmosphere.
4. What did one ocean say to the other ocean?
Nothing, it just waved.
5. Do you want to hear a construction joke?
Sorry, I’m still working on it.
6. Did you hear about the fire at the circus?
It was in tents!
7. Why do ducks have feathers?
To cover their butt quacks!
8. What’s the difference between a hippo and a zippo?
One is really heavy, and the other’s a little lighter.
9. What does a nosey pepper do?
It gets jalapeño business.
10. Why should you never trust stairs?
They’re always up to something.
Look For Humor In Unlikely Places
Reading the news can be discouraging. Yet, that’s how most of us start our day. So here’s a way to get your news fix while avoiding the drama of the world while building your arsenal for healing with humor. A website called funnynews.org posts humorous news stories. Read a story or two each morning, then share them with folks during the day. They are bound to generate a good laugh.
Here are three recent stories from the website
JACKSON, MS — Residents of a neighborhood in Jackson, Mississippi, are confused by the bowls of mashed potatoes they’re finding on their cars, porches, and mailboxes. Resident Jordan Lewis described the Belhaven neighborhood as a quirky one, with residents decorating road signs and putting Christmas trees in potholes. “So we don’t know if someone is just playing a prank or if someone just had a lot of leftovers,” Lewis said.
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FL — A Florida man was arrested in the St. Lucie County Detention Facility parking lot minutes after he bonded out of jail. Police say that 37-year-old Casey Michael Lewis, charged with grand theft, left the facility and started to wander through the parking lot, looking through the windows and checking the door handles of the cars to see if they were open. Lewis was captured on a surveillance camera opening the door of a silver vehicle, sitting in the driver’s seat for a few minutes, then getting out and searching for other unlocked cars.
WEST CHESTER, PA — Two thieves who snatched a statue of a lion from outside a home in a Philadelphia suburb had a change of heart after police posted surveillance video of the heist. They stole the statute from the West Chester residence on Wednesday. But by Friday, police posted a video of the thieves returning it. They also left behind a bouquet of flowers and a card. Police say it was a “smart move to return the property,” and the owner is grateful.
Healing with Humor Takes Planning
Healing with humor requires an investment of your time and energy. So plan to devote fifteen minutes each morning preparing for the day. Don’t worry – you can multitask.
For instance, you can combine morning bible study with your “healing with humor” preparation. The Bible has dozens of humorous stories and situations. I always chuckle thinking about Mathew 8:28-34, the time Jesus cast demons out of two violent men, transferring them to a herd of pigs. The pigs, now crazy, charged right off a cliff to their death in the water. The townspeople were so upset about losing their pigs that they pleaded with Jesus to leave their town – and leave them alone!
You can also conduct your “healing with humor” preparation at the gym while working out. Just make sure to ask a few fellow weight lifters or treadmill neighbors for their favorite joke! Similarly, watch an episode of Seinfeld or The Office while pushing the elliptical machine. Then, commit at least one funny scene to memory and share it during the day.
Share a Smile and a Laugh
We all know the power of sharing a smile. Passing a neighbor on your morning walk while adding a smile and “good morning” greeting always makes us feel good. Now imagine adding a laugh as well. One-liners come in handy for this. You may not have the opportunity to share a laugh with every neighbor you meet, but setting the intention will lead to opportunities you never imagined.
My Friend the Angel
My friend Jack is a master at healing with humor. No matter where he goes throughout his day, he always takes the opportunity to strike up a conversation with someone. He may be waiting in line at the bank or sitting in a doctor’s waiting room – he’ll casually start a conversation and have them laughing within minutes. He’s like an angel traveling through the world, spreading love everywhere he goes.
Thirteen Facts About Laughter and Health
Laughing not only feels good, but it’s also good for your health. Researchers have discovered the following facts about adding humor and laughter into your life:
1. Laughing releases endorphins that increase happiness. The happier we are, the less pain we feel.
2. The average adult laughs ten to twelve times a day. However, a six-year-old child laughs over thirty times a day.
3. Daily laughter strengthens the immune system, reducing the chance of getting sick.
4. Laughing brings more oxygen to the lungs, expanding lung capacity and raising oxygen levels in the bloodstream.
5. Research shows that laughing releases endorphins, dramatically lowering stress hormones.
6. Laughing can help you lose weight. A Vanderbilt University study documented that laughing for ten to fifteen minutes burned between 10 and 40 calories!
7. When we observe other people laughing, it makes us smile, even when we’re unsure of the context. This is because our brain recognizes the sound of laughter and prepares our facial muscles to join.
8. A study at the University College London concluded that humans mirror or mimic the actions of others, including laughter. The more we laugh, the more we help others stay happy and healthy.
9. Peak laughter boosts immune-boosting cells, which accumulate in the blood, benefiting our health.
10. Laughter is not just a reaction to something funny – it’s a form of communication indicating bonding with our laughing partner.
11. We are 30 times more likely to laugh at something when we are with somebody.
12. Laughing is good for the abs! When we laugh, our stomach muscles expand and contract from taking quick breaths in and out, resulting in toned abdominal muscles.
13. Laughing lowers blood pressure. Regular laughter reduces the risk of heart diseases and lowers blood pressure, similar to exercising. As a result, laughter lowers the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease.
Healing With Humor Next Steps
Tomorrow morning, take a few minutes to plan out a “healing with humor” strategy. Then see how many people you can laugh with during the day. Sharing a laugh with one person starts a chain reaction that carries on to others.
Information About Raleigh Acupuncture
At Raleigh Acupuncture, we’re in the healing business. Along with using Chinese medicine (acupuncture, herbs, cupping, auricular, etc.), we build relationships with our patients, support them emotionally, and help them navigate their healing path. And we try to laugh a lot too.
You can also be an agent of healing, using humor and laughter all day long with the people you meet. Don’t worry if you’re not a naturally funny guy or gal – most people aren’t. Remember, it’s all about intention, persistence, and practice.
To find out more about our clinic, visit https://raleighacupunctureinc.com/
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