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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2005-06-22, Page 3Open Sundays through Labour Da News Developing 'humour habit' best way to relieve stress, says speaker By Susan Hundertmark Expositor Editor Developing a "humour habit" that allows you to find joy in everyday circumstances is one of the best ways to reduce stress, says a Vancouver counselor who teaches stand-up comedy to promote mental health. David Granirer, who teaches stand-up comedy to recovering drug addicts and cancer patients at Langara College in Vancouver, was the speaker at the recent annual meeting of the Huron - Perth branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association in Seaforth last Wednesday. "When we feel powerless and out of control, laughter is our survival mechanism - it's the survival mechanism of the human race," he said. In a presentation that frequently crossed over into stand-up comedy, Granirer explained how researchers are finding that neuropathways in our brains are strengthened every time we repeat a particular reaction to an experience. He said he realized he'd gotten into the habit of responding with anger and frustration every time he had to unload the dishwasher. "I discovered that just thinking about the dishwasher made me angry. To a certain extent, we program our brains to be positive or negative. If we do something enough, it becomes a default that just happens automatically," he said. He added that attempting to feel happy and relaxed most of the time will allow us to experience those states more often. "Say you're having a bad day and you're stuck in a traffic jam and you react by banging the steering wheel and yelling. All you're doing is strengthening those neuropathways in your brain," he said. Granirer said that acting silly and throwing around rubber chickens can help shift your brain chemistry. "The adult part of your brain is saying, 'This is really stupid,' but it helps to shift your mood. And, as a counselor, I'm always looking for ways to shift people's moods that don't involve massive quantities of drugs," he said. "When you're stressed or anxious, your mind races. But, when you're throwing a rubber chicken, it knocks out that part of your brain." Granirer pointed to Victor Frankl's book Man's Search for Meaning. which talks about concentration camp prisoners in the Second World War using their sense of humour to temporarily escape the hell they were ATV stolen in McKillop found in Peel Region 11hi)1)11 t)rr An ATV stolen from a shed on Hydro Line Road near Seaforth last November was found in Peel Township on June 15. Peel Region police contacted Huron OPP after a man living in Peel tried to register the ATV, a green 1997 Honda Four Trax, with the Ministry of Transportation and was informed it was stolen. Huron OPP say the man is trying to help police follow the trail backwards to find whomever is responsible for the break-in. THE HURON EXPOSITOR, June 22. 2005-3 RobpwN'aiits R.N.r MAiiMI1rA!'I► at 28 Centennial Drive Seaforth (Irwin Physiotherapy) To book an appointment or for free consultation call Susan Hundertmark photo David Granirer, a Vancouver councillor who teaches stand-up comedy classes, speaks at the annual meeting of the Huron -Perth Canadian Mental Health Association. living in the camp. "Choosing to see the humour helps us to be stronger and more resilient," he said. He added that not everything is a joke and acknowledged that humans must feel angry and sad sometimes. "In therapy, I was told to get angry and beat on beds and pillows but I was not thrilled at the idea. And, neither were the folks at Sleep Country Canada," he joked. Granirer said one of his students at his stand-up comedy class was Mavis Pickett, a Vancouver senior,who has recently received some media attention on Canadian talk shows for her stand-up comedy. Pickett, a grieving mother who lost her daughter in a skiing accident. used stand- up comedy to work with her grief. "Coming to my class didn't make the grief go away but she discovered she could still be alive and laugh and share with other people," he said. "Even when we're in the depths, humour can make life bearable." Granirer also said that laughter helps bum calories. "I laughed my way to this hard, muscular body. If you keep laughing, you can go to Cheesecake World," he joked. As well, a study by the U.S. Army found cadets who used humour were less likely to quit basic training. Granirer said some stress reduction techniques can be too complicated to be effective. "My therapist told me to close my eyes and visualize walking through a meadow. I was trying to get the picture and oh no, I forgot to cut the grass," he laughed. Granirer advocated silliness as the best way to defuse stress. "There's no skill involved and a rubber chicken only costs $3 or $4 a piece. I've taken rubber chickens across North America and it never fails. When I have a rubber chicken, everyone is my friend," he said. He also advocated the use of large clown glasses, which he often dons when he's picking up his food at a drive-thru window. "People have a psychological defense against other human beings but they don't have the same defense against silliness. It's a great way to create a relationship with someone quickly,".he said. During a family health emergency when his eight- day -old son needed surgery, Granirer said he appreciated some silliness from an anesthesiologist. "My wife and I were sitting there and thinking about all of the bad things we'd ever heard about the medical system when the surgical team came to take my son out of my arms. The anesthesiologist had a bubble blower and we just cracked up. We went from fear to hope in that moment. We had an immediate sense of trust for a guy who before that moment had been this anonymous man in the blue gown," he said. "With silly props, we can create these moments of joy for each other," said Granirer. H. REID ALLEN \\IIi►( 1 II R\111 1 1 Itl 'MI( \II'►\ ,C In I DONE WELL AT A REASONABLE PRICE SEAFORTH 7- 7 Huron County Historical Society welcomes members and visitors to its next general meeting on Thurs June 23 at Brussels United, King St East, Brussels, featuring a view of the plans for Logan's Mill on the Maitland and a walk -about of historic sites in Brussels. John Rutledge, noted Goderich architect, will be guest speaker. For info, call Deb Bauer, 519-529-7820. r Tonv Does your computer need some... 519-527-2880 Iatouretcc.on.ca Free pickup and drop-off available ZWEE FARM EQUIPMENT IV SEAFORTH 527-0120 EXETER 235-2121 www.tsamvIneent.com CASE IIS Country 3ur+tevi Formerly "Sumthing Special" 100 Main St., Seaforth 527-2435 A Collection of Creativity and Gifts for you and your home or garden! Open Mon -Sot 9:30 - 5:30 Sun 12-4 * Lori Allen - Proprietor * 20 Main Street Seaforth 519-527-068 ince 1 87E3