GIVE YOUR BODY A

BOOST WITH LAUGHTER?

Can watching sitcoms increase your health?

If so, are stress and illness related?

What is the mind/body connection with respect to laughter?

Research for 25-30 years

Began with Anatomy of an Illness (memoir) by Dr. Norman Cousins (1979)Painful spinal conditionWatched sitcoms10 min laughter=2 hours pain-free sleep

CAN SITCOMS REALLY CURE YOU?????

Research showsThose who get heart attacks are 40% less likely to laugh than those with health hearts!(University of Maryland, Preventive Cardiology)

When we laugh:Stretch musclesPulse goes upBreath fasterIt’s a mild workout! Vanderbilt University research demonstrates that 10-15 min of laughter burns 50 calories!

HOW MANY CALORIES HAVE YOU BURNED SO FAR TODAY?

Research shows benefit of laughter in the classroom

Stimulates both sides of the brain

Reduces tensionIncreases motivationIncreases participation

(American Psychological Association)

Additional ResearchSoothes difficult momentsLiberates creativityHelps with cross-cultural understanding

“Laughter: Humor in the Classroom. Fastback 241”by Claudia E. Cornett (1986)

Stress causes some illnesses:

Job change DeathBabyMoving

Body reacts—neck pain, back pain, headaches, trouble sleeping?(familydoctor.org)Does that mean laughter would help?

Research is not yet definitive! Yet laughter can’t hurt, right?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eB3ISAYE-I(Laughter and Yoga)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Do you think that laughter can cure or help illness and/or pain? Why or why not? Give examples.

2. Does your culture support the idea that laughter benefits health?

3. Do you believe that attitude affects health, in general?

discussion questions (cont)4. Is laughter important to you in a relationship (with friends, boyfriend/girlfriend)? Explain.

5. Can you understand humor in English very well?

6. What is your opinion about laughter in the classroom?