It’s been said, “Laughter is the best medicine.”
And if a new Polaroid survey of accredited physicians is any indication, three out of four doctors would agree and prescribe laughter as a remedy. In fact, the survey reveals 95 percent of doctors have witnessed laughter at work in their patients.
That may be good news for many people, especially when considering this statistic: three out of four adults surveyed say they laugh at least four times a day.
“One of the best things about laughter is that it provides welcome distractions from life’s hassles and relief from aches and pains,” said Robert R. Provine, a professor of psychology and assistant director of the neuroscience program at the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
“And photographs play an important role in laughter for many of us,” Provine added. “Whether viewed alone or shared with others, photos are a key reminder of those special moments marked by laughter. It’s no secret that when families scramble to save possessions during crises, photos are one of the first things saved.”
Among the findings of Provine’s research:
- “Laughter is about family, friends and lovers. Less than 20 percent of everyday laughter is a response to jokes. If people want to laugh more, they should spend more time with their significant others.”
- “The more the merrier. Whether at a party or cinema, a large group laughs more than a small one. Laughter almost disappears when we are alone.”
- “Laughter is contagious. To laugh more, be around laughing people. People don’t need to tell a joke to cause laughter. Laughter causes laughter – which is why there are laugh tracks on television comedies.”
- “Photography. Photos cause laughter by crystallizing memories of life’s special moments with friends and family.”
That last one – photography is especially good to know.
Everywhere I travel, I go with my camera in hand, snapping pictures to remember the experience. There’s nothing like looking back at old photos — or digital images, for that matter — and smiling.
It’s especially true when looking back at older pictures and taking the “once hip” styles into consideration. Now, that is truly a laughing matter.