For years we have seen in Reader’s Digest that laughter is the best medicine.
Throughout human history people have been laughing – especially
about others, their families, animals and sex.
In 2008 British historians tracked down the world’s oldest joke ever written –
a fart joke from Sumeria in 1900 BC – nearly 4,000 years ago.
Rather than tell a fart joke, I will tell one that did appeal to me from Ancient Rome just before the time of Christ.
The Emperor Augustus was touring the Roman Empire when he noticed a man in the crowd who looked exactly like him.
Intrigued, he asked: “Was your mother at one time in service at the Palace?”
“No, your highness”, the man replied; “however my father was”.
Humans start laughing as early as two to three months of age, well before we can speak.
While you may laugh when you are alone, people usually laugh
when they are interacting with or in the company of others.
Laughter serves a social function as it provides an opportunity to signal to people that we want to interact with them.
Laughter is also important for our physical and emotional health as it
relieves stress, soothes tension and enhances your intake of oxygen stimulating your lungs, heart and muscles.
Laughing also increases the endorphins that are released by your brain resulting in feelings of well-being.
Studies have also shown that laughter may improve your immune system
by releasing neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more serious illnesses.
You are more likely to increase personal satisfaction, improve your
mood and relieve pain when laughing is part of your daily life.
If you are someone who enjoys a good laugh you are also more
likely to be seen by others as a positive, happy person who is trustworthy.
In summary, as I see it, laughter promotes cooperation, physical and
mental health and an all round positive approach to life.
That’s the best excuse that I’ve heard to make sure to enjoy a few
laughs and drinks at our Rotary meetings and, in this regard, I
believe that we should retain things like Brynton’s Joke of the Week
and a fun loaded Sergeant’s session.
