November's focus is attitude and includes goals to help with "keeping a contented heart" such as laughing out loud, using good manners, giving positive reviews and finding an area of refuge.
The adage "laughter is the best medicine" came to mind as I read about Gretchen's mission to find humour in situations and to bring more laughter into her life. Research shows that laughter can "boost immunity and lower blood pressure and cortisol levels. It increases people's tolerance to pain. It's a source of social bonding, and it helps to reduce conflicts and cushion social stress within relationships - at work, in marriage, among strangers." What an incredible benefit from such a simple activity.
No wonder comedies are so popular on TV. The amazing success of shows, past and present, proves that people enjoy a good laugh. Think about Three's Company, Seinfeld, Friends, Saturday Night Live, I Love Lucy, Frasier, Two and a Half Men, and so many other great shows. Comedians from the early days of Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy to present-day celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld and Ellen DeGeneres have exaggerated the human condition and emphasized the idiosyncrasies of everyday life to help us laugh at ourselves and find humour in common situations.
These often short, half-hour shows provide us with great stress-relief without taking up too much of our valuable time. And, they ensure a fun, family-bonding experience for all. What better way to spend your time and improve your attitude?
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