Laughter can reduce stress and improve lifestyle

Last week the focus of my article was on the philosophy of aging. I concluded by posing the question: “How to stay young so you can become a kid again?” Answers to this question included improving lifestyle, removing stress and having a sense of humor. I am a firm believer that laughter can reduce stress and tension. I remember when we lived under communist terror in Eastern Europe (in the early 1950’s), we kept our sanity by telling funny stories about the cruel regime. These stories accomplished two things: they made us laugh at times of hardship and also we got some satisfaction from being able to criticize the politicians without risking imprisonment. We always closed the doors and windows to make sure that these jokes were only for the ears of people we trusted.
In today’s world the Internet offers many opportunities for keeping a smile on our faces. Most days I get one or two funny stories from friends who also enjoy having a good chuckle by sharing tasteful and humorous stories about life, politics and behaviour. I also take a few minutes from a busy schedule and send out one or two funnies to my friends. I find this very relaxing and seem to reduce the stress that may otherwise put a damper on the day’s activities. I highly recommend to readers to explore this stress reducing opportunity. You can start it with a few friends through personal e-mails or by signing up to Facebook.
Things that I find especially funny involve the use or misuse of the English language. My favorites often come from church bulletins that have not been properly proof read. For example:
“This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin”.
“The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals”.
“At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?'
Come early and listen to our choir practice”.
“Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance”.
Advertisements in newspapers can also provide a chuckle first thing in the morning. For example:
“Free puppies, half Cocker Spaniel, half sneaky neighbor's dog”
“Free puppies, mother a Kennel Club registered German Sheppard, father super dog, able to leap tall fences in a single bound”
“Wedding dress for sale, worn once by mistake, call Stephanie”
Then there are quotes from well known people which turn out to be unexpectedly funny. For example:
“To those of you who received honors, awards and distinctions, I say well done. And to the C students, I say you too may one day be president of the United States” (George W. Bush).
“I frankly felt like the reception we received on the way in from the airport was very warm and hospitable. And I want to thank the Canadian people who came out to wave -- with all five fingers -- for their hospitality” (George W. Bush).
“I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. congress” (Ronald Regan).
“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt” (Abraham Lincoln).
“History will be kind to me for I intend to write it”. (Sir Winston Churchill)
For evening entertainment I like to watch English comedies on television. “Keeping up Appearances”, “Faulty Towers”, “To the Manor Born”, “Waiting for God” all offer good humor and contribute towards stress free time and quality life style.