April Fools' Day is a good opportunity to remember that laughter and humor should be a part of life. April Fools' jokes are a tradition dating back to the 17th century. The first known written mention of April Fools' Day in the Czech lands dates back to 1690, and the tradition continues to this day.

April could perhaps become the month of fun, just as March used to be the month of books. It's impossible to live a happy life without laughter and humor. Laughter brings relaxation, a good mood, and better relationships with others. It's a signal that everything is okay, and we can enjoy the joys of life. Laughter has a positive impact on both mental and physical health. It's a medicine that is available to everyone, cannot be overdosed, and has no side effects. In recent decades, even neuroscientists and anthropologists have begun to recognize the importance of humor and laughter. Laughter has become the subject of serious scientific research, and there are increasing attempts to use it in treatment (which is not always a laughing matter).

When we talk about laughter, the first things that come to mind are joy, good mood, and joking. However, laughter doesn't always express positive emotions. There are other types of laughter, such as malicious laughter, mockery, embarrassed laughter, and hysterical laughter.

So, what is laughter all about? Why and what do people actually laugh at?

Laughter is a form of non-verbal human communication. It exists in a rudimentary form even in primates (and possibly in other mammals). For example, chimpanzees make sounds similar to laughter when playing and tickling each other, and they also have similar facial expressions.

The ability to laugh is innate in humans. We don't have to learn to laugh; it's in our genes. Babies laugh long before they start talking. Even babies born deaf and blind, who have never seen the facial expressions of laughter or heard what "real" laughter sounds like, can laugh.

Laughter is a universal phenomenon in all languages and cultures. Even if a Czech, a Chinese person, and a Sami person meet, they may not understand each other's words, but they will laugh in a similar way—with syllables like "ha-ha-ha," which have a certain characteristic rhythm (each "ha" lasts about 1/15 of a second and is repeated approximately 5 times per second; a faster or slower rhythm is not perceived by others as laughter).

What is the evolutionary significance of laughter? Why did it develop, and what is it for?

Laughter is primarily a communication signal, older than language. It is believed to have evolved as a social signal to express positive emotions and friendly attitudes. A "laughing" young chimpanzee expresses well-being and invites the other to play or to become friends. Similarly, a laughing human expresses a good mood and friendly feelings.

The characteristic facial expressions of laughter are evident not only around the mouth but also around the eyes. This is one type of laughter—a "genuine," positive, and spontaneous expression. It is believed to have originated millions of years ago.

However, science distinguishes between two types of laughter. One is associated with positive emotions, while the other is linked to negative emotions (nervousness, mockery, insecurity). This negatively-charged laughter only activates the muscles around the mouth, not around the eyes. This distinction was first observed by the French neurologist Guillaume Duchenne in the 19th century, but it has only received more attention in recent decades. "False" laughter, associated with negative emotions, is a uniquely human ability that likely evolved thousands of years later, and is driven by an attempt to mimic genuine laughter or a smile. This may be because we use laughter to conceal something or manipulate others, or because we are trying to relieve tension or improve our mood. The different types of laughter also activate different areas of the brain. Therefore, these are two distinct evolutionary phenomena.

People are very good at distinguishing between these two types of laughter. Studies with volunteers have shown that people can accurately identify, based solely on the audio recording, whether the laughter is genuine, nervous, or mocking.

Similarly, people recognize differences in facial expressions: genuine, joyful laughter is reflected in the entire face, including the eyes. Other types of laughter are only reflected in the lower half of the face, and people may perceive them as insincere (laughter "isn't in the eyes"). This is also one of the reasons why insecure people may come across as insincere or arrogant.

Their laughter and overall facial expressions, which they use to mask their nervousness, are strained and unbelievable. Similarly, the overly bright "theatrical" smiles of some politicians and media personalities are a form of false laughter, intended in this case to convey warmth and friendliness.

Laughter is healing.
The body perceives laughter as a signal that it is possible to relax. And laughter indeed triggers relaxation, both psychologically and physiologically: it reduces levels of stress hormones (cortisol), stimulates the release of endorphins, and has a positive effect on the immune, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems. And we have likely yet to discover many of its beneficial effects. Experiments with animals suggest something similar. In animals subjected to conditions similar to laughter (tickling), a chemical substance is released that has antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects. It is very likely that similar processes occur in humans.

Therefore, don't forget your daily dose of laughter and humor: not just during the humorous month of April, but throughout the year. Seek out humorous aspects of everyday life, laugh as often as possible (even at yourself), and surround yourself with cheerful people who have a sense of humor. Laughter is the best medicine for the pains of life (Wilhelm Bousset).

A few excerpts from student records:
• Lies and deliberately provides incorrect dates.
• Threw a wet sponge at the teacher, and the resulting puddle was on the floor.
• Constantly checks to see if I'm paying attention, and if he thinks I'm not paying attention, then he's not paying attention.
• Gets out of his chair without permission.
• Your daughter's knowledge is equal to zero. To advance to the next grade, she must at least double it.
• Gives answers in an unauthorized manner.
• Regularly attends school irregularly.
• Ate the art supplies.
• Licks the tempera paints and is surprised that he then vomits.
• Doesn't write down what I say, he only writes down what he needs.
• Shouted: "attack on the stupid ones" and dropped a hammer on my foot.
• Constantly raises his hand.

About Dog Training

The dog is not allowed in the house.

The dog is allowed in the house, but only in certain rooms.

The dog is allowed in all rooms, but not on the couch.

The dog is allowed on the couch, but under no circumstances is it allowed on the bed.

The dog is allowed on the bed, but only if invited.

The dog can sleep in the bed whenever it wants, but not under the covers.

The dog can be under the covers, but only if the owner allows it.

The dog can sleep under the covers at any time.

A person must ask the dog for permission if they want to sleep with the dog under the covers.

This article was published with the kind permission of Sféra magazine.

DIOCHI

casopis-sfera.cz / gnews.cz-HeK