Laughter stimulates the cardiovascular system and exercises the lungs. Laughter is a natural pain-reliever. Laughter helps control pain by distracting our attention from the pain, by reducing tension that may be contributing to the pain, by changing our perspective or expectations, and by actually creating physiological changes that reduce pain. Humor relieves stress by allowing us to perceive the paradoxes of life from an emotional distance. In laughing and joking about a life situation, we can separate ourselves from an annoying or uncomfortable incident and reduce our consequent stress level.
People like to be around others with a good sense of humor.
Challenge participants to experiment together with generating healthy laughter. Ask participants to suggest other tunes. Encourage people to exaggerate and enjoy the process. Ask those who feel more relaxed as a result of the activity to raise their hands and describe their experience, it they care to. Funny Stories and Jokes Share a few favorite funny stories or jokes.