Silvia : - If this is so, can laughter be considered an alternative medicine?
Dr. Nogales: -Of course it can. We all can recognize that we feel very positive after seeing a movie that made us laugh heartily. Laughter permits us to discharge accumulated tensions and feel physically and emotionally agile, enhancing our capacity to think and feel. Playing also creates a similar response, and playing is not only for kids. We enjoy a feeling of well being after spending time at play-we forget our daily tensions. Playing refreshes the spirit and recharges us so that we're able to take on our responsibilities with greater enthusiasm. And it also provides a positive balance to the tediousness and boredom of certain types of work. In addition to this, games and other types of play and recreation change our attitude; we're able to leave resentments and negative thoughts behind and enjoy a more optimistic vision of live. Furthermore, playing is an exercise that invites us to be more flexible, because we have to experiment with new personalities, situations and possibilities, away from our known routine. When we play, we learn about our own potential and discover how we might begin to create and dream. Another benefit is that "playful" people awaken a positive attraction in others. It is a fact that we are attracted by the person who shows himself to be friendly, with a wide smile and open personality, rather than the face that reflects resentment, frustration or pain. In addition, "playful" people tend to be good leaders, because their sympathetic attitude is magnetic rather than competitive-which leads them to success as professional leaders or politicians.
Silvia : - Then looking at humorous programs on television can help us?
Dr. Nogales: - Television networks are acknowledging the need for humor more and more and are offering us programming accordingly. I continue to see more comedies and shows designed specifically to make us laugh. Regrettably, Spanish television has not yet taken this road to the extent that English television has. A show that promises to be a total hit is George Lopez's-he's an excellent comedian (ABC-Channel 7, Wednesday 8.30 p.m.). We can also see the popularity of humor in commercial movies. Have you observed how many grown ups go to the movies to see children's animated films? The desire to laugh at what's on the screen reflects our need for positive stimulation and to disconnect from our worries. This is related to our need for play; however, nothing has the same impact as playing, even in adults. There is no doubt that playing is healthy. Scientific research has demonstrated that people who play live longer and are more vibrant and energetic. This does not mean that you should leave your obligations behind and focus solely on play. But knowing about the benefits of laughter does lead us to pay more attention to this aspect of our lives. It's much more valuable than we thought. Furthermore, when our work is joyful-in a way that blurs the line between play and work-we derive maximum benefits.
Silvia: - Do men and women have the same kind of humor?
Dr. Nogales: - It's interesting to note that the humor of men and women does differ. Women tend to laugh more at themselves, which brings them closer together socially. Men, on the other hand-due to a society that defines them competitively-must maintain their social hierarchy, and this results in their humor being directed at others. It's the type of humor based on observation of and commentary about others, and it often includes sarcasm.
Silvia: - Do you recommend humor as home therapy?
Dr. Nogales: - Humor, games and laughter help us to bond with each other. They promote both social adaptation and mental and physical health. To know how to laugh is important-as long as it's not hurting anyone else, of course. When we enjoy every moment, it's a way of praising life. Why not incorporate as much laughter as we can into our lives?
Dr. Ana Nogales - Psychological Counseling for the Latino Family
