Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Brake for Humor

"Seven days without laughter make one weak."   -  Joel Goodman

The use of humor in writing helps redeem moments lost to pain, fear, despair and loneliness.Scientific studies have determined that humor makes an impact on degenerative changes associated with neurocognitive decline as we age.  Random acts of comedy activate regions of the brain. This neural stimulation changes brain function to improve memory and promote neural plasticity.

Each individual has a unique funny bone.  What appeals to one person may not cause a giggle in another.  Regardless of your tickle sensation for laughter, develop what feels humorous to you. Adding comic relief to stressful situations will add to your talent for observing silliness in all situations.

Begin with a series of mishaps. Target negative situations. Give them a twist and add a spark of hope with humor.

Here's a start:   What if you awaken ten minutes later than planned?  Then toothpaste lands on your shirt. You trip on a rug, landing on your funny bone on your way to the car. There's a maintenance vehicle in the middle of the street with someone pushing wires into the sewer. What is going on down there?  The technician looks suspicious.

By now you're not going to make it to work on time.  Then what?  Keep progressing through the chaos and add lines of humor.  What if you decide to alter your day and skip work?  What funnyness for an excuse will you devise?

Create random acts of comedy as you alter the details. Brake for humor and laugh out loud at a stop light with your window down.  Daily practice will enrich your brain power. Take a day to rejuvenate with laughter and play.

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