Do you ever wonder why some comedians live to 90-years old and beyond? George Burns and Bob Hope lived to be 100. Phyllis Diller made it to 95, Abe Vigoda 94, Don Rickles 90, Carl Reiner 98, Sid Ceasar 91, Milton Berle 93, and Betty White 99. They didn’t necessarily work hard for their longevity like go on extreme diets or exercise programs but one thing they had in common was a sense of humor.
It’s amazing considering most of them worked in smoke-filled Las Vegas lounges and ate pastrami or corned beef deli sandwiches most of their lives.
Some comedians died way too young, of course, especially those who came up in the 60s and 70s. They let the darkness seep in or abused themselves with drugs and alcohol and it got the best of them. There’s nothing anyone can do about that except hope that others like them get help before it’s too late.
A sense of humor can get you through any challenge. It has numerous health benefits and will help keep your sanity in check even in the worst of times. Life happens and a giggle or two will help you cope with it.
When the world looks dire, watch something funny
I don’t believe in sticking my head in the sand and ignoring what’s going on in the world. But, sometimes it’s best to take a break and turn on some comedy. A good guffaw will lighten your day and make life much more tolerable.
Comedians as healers
Comedians help people see the absurdity of a situation and sometimes bring people together for the good of mankind. They support charities and good causes all in the name of humor.
Life can sometimes be overwhelming, but you must carry on
Life will always present challenges and some will be much harder to deal with than others but a little laughter and a sense of humor can take you through your darkest days. Find something that brings a smile to your face. It can be as simple as watching a dog or child play. Block sad or disturbing content at least an hour before you go to sleep and read something uplifting instead.
The health benefits of laughing
- Laughter lowers your blood pressure – It’s always a good idea to monitor your blood pressure at home. Try taking a reading after you watch something funny and see if it makes a difference.
- Humor improves your immune system – When you chuckle your sense of wellbeing improves. Your T-cells, which protect you from getting sick, become activated. People who are depressed tend to get sick more often. Those who don’t take life as seriously and laugh often stay healthier or have a better prognosis if they are ill.
- Laughing keeps your blood circulating – When you laugh more oxygen flows into your bloodstream and increases circulation throughout your body. It’s also a semi-aerobic activity that strengthens your heart.
- A good laugh reduces stress – Stress is one of the biggest killers but when you laugh your mood improves as well as your peace of mind. Tension releases and you feel better. It also reduces the level of your stress hormones that cause cortisol to build up in belly fat. As women over 50, the last thing we need is a heart attack or stroke caused by tension.
- Humor helps us connect with each other – When people laugh together they stay together. Even if we disagree on certain topics, laughter brings common ground whether it is a personal relationship, family discord, business conflicts, or grief.
Make it a goal to spread more laughter wherever you go. Don’t take life too seriously. If you don’t have much of a sense of humor try to lighten up. Laughing more will help us all live longer, happier, and better lives.
What makes you laugh? Please leave a comment below.
Agree. Agree. TOTALLY agree! I cannot express just how much I agree with this article! Yessss!!! It’s the people who can find the humour that save the world!
Isn’t that the truth, Diane?. Being able to laugh goes a long way in the world.
Gosh, I knew that I felt better when I was laughing or enjoying something, but didn’t realize the tangible health benefits. I learned something here, thank you! You’ve got a lot going on now and that is stressful, I’ve been there too, as you know. Take it one day at a time and find a few moments to relax and laugh a little bit. xo
Thanks, Candi. I will. My therapy is to watch funny videos before going to sleep.
Ah, but Count Dracula has been around for generations! (Yes, I’m trying to be funny.)
LOL! Good try, Tom! Men who are funny are much more sexy.
I know what that’s like to be caregiver to a spouse with cancer so I’m glad to hear you’re taking your own advice and finding ways to laugh and help him laugh. I didn’t do that at 37 when my first husband had cancer, but then I’d already been sucked down the rabbit hole. It’s dark down there, but by then it was normal for me. This too shall pass. xoxox, Brenda
Thanks, Brenda. It’s my second time around with this. My husband died of cancer too. You’re right. This too shall pass.
Totally agree!!! I am drawn to people who make me laugh…. that’s one of the reasons I was so attracted to my husband of 45 years, he was so funny and he still makes me laugh!! My adult children make me laugh too!!! And of course, my grandchildren! I don’t have the gift but really appreciate in others. As a psychologist, I tell people who are stressed to only watch a half hour of news a day! Like you said, there is so much stress on our daily lives already. There’s so much information and resources out there now to help us de-stress… laughter is still the best medicine!!!! Becky, I’m so sorry for the stress you are under! I have you on my prayer list and will pray for you, your roommate, and your dog daily! Thank you for all your articles and I love your FB posts!!! Take care my friend!! ❤️
Thanks, so much Lynda. So great you have a funny man and family to keep you happy. It makes a difference. Life happens. You just have to roll with it. ♥