Humor Uncovered (Paperback) | Released: 13 May 2020

Humour is a universal human activity that most people experience many times over the course of a typical day and in all sorts of social engagements.We feel better after a hearty laugh. Why? Because laughter reverses hormonal changes brought on by cortisol and other stress -related chemicals. It activates the secretion of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine-the body's natural painkillers-and we feel better.Scientists say that laughter gives the body some of the same benefits as moderate physical exercise. Studies show that laughing-even fake laughing-for just one minute a day dampens stress, eases pain, lowers blood pressure, stokes our immune system, and brightens our mental outlook.The same is true with smiling. Facial expression influences our emotions by triggering specific neurotransmitters, the brain's chemical messengers. When we frown, we feel bad. Similarly, a smile makes us feel happier. Pasting a smile on the face-even if we are not feeling it at first-raises our mood and reduces stress. Studies show that when people's ability to frown is compromised by cosmetic Botox injections, they're happier than people who can frown.Most of us take daily challenges with seriousness and humourless determination, thinking our lives have to be all work and no play, which can make us worried. Fact is that a mind that employs humor, amusement, and light heartedness contributes more to our well-being.Currently we live in serious times and it's hard to find a place for humor while social distancing and quarantining. During these challenging times, many people have turned to books of comics, cartoons and caricatures. Science tells that living with worry, disappointment, and loss only increases unpleasant feelings.Science shows that dwelling on worry, disappointment, and loss only increases unpleasant feelings.George W. Bush was not known for his cunning intellect, but he did have a good sense of humour. In a commencement address at Southern Methodist University, he told the graduates, "For those of you graduating with high honours and distinctions, I say well done. And as I like to tell the "C" students, you too can be president." Like Bush, many of us use humour to diffuse difficult situations, mask nervousness, soften criticism, and cope with failure. Given that humor is such a powerful tool for social success, it's not surprising that scientists have sought to determine the perfect formula for getting funny. Humor Enhances LifeThe ability to laugh, play and have fun not only makes life more enjoyable but also helps solve problems, connect with others, and think more creatively. People who incorporate humour and play into their daily lives find that it renews them and all of their relationships.Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving our resistance to disease. Laughter boosts the immune system. Also, laughing triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.Good humour induced laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect us against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.Laughter burns calories. So, there is no need to go to the gym. One study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories.The current title serves these benefits to the audience.