1. Chapter 12: Humor Therapy (Comic Relief) Chapter 12: Humor Therapy (Comic Relief) A smile is the shortest distance between two people. - Victor Borge - Victor Borge

2. Norman Cousins and humor therapy n Anatomy of an Illness n Is there a correlation between stress, particularly negative perceptions and emotions, and disease? n The premise of humor therapy is that if negative thoughts can result in illness and disease, positive thoughts should enhance health.

3. Types and senses of humor n parody n satire n slapstick comedy n absurd/nonsense humor n black humor n irony n dry humor and puns n sarcasm

5. Theories of humor n Superiority Theory n Incongruity Theory n Release/Relief Theory n Divinity Theory

6. Physiology of humor n relaxes muscles n reduces blood pressure n increases ventilation n massages internal organs n promotes secretion of neuropeptides

7. Physiology of humor Research investigating the psycho- neuroimmunological effects of laughter have found that there is a strong relationship between good health and good humor. In essence, laughter helps restore physiological homeostasis. Research investigating the psycho- neuroimmunological effects of laughter have found that there is a strong relationship between good health and good humor. In essence, laughter helps restore physiological homeostasis.

8. Steps to initiate humor therapy n learn not to take yourself too seriously. n find one humorous thing a day. n work to improve your imagination and creativity. n learn to hyperexaggerate when telling a story.

9. Steps to initiate humor therapy n build a humor library. n find a host of varied humor venues. n access your humor network. n boost your self-esteem daily.