InvestiKate: Laughter an all-round wonder drug

Unsure what to expect after the publication of my first column, I must confess to having some pretty freakish thoughts festering away in my already chaotic mind, engaging in battle with one or more of the voices I nonchalantly pass off as imaginary friends.

Would there be calls to the editor to have me removed, calls to have me burned at the stake, calls to have me committed (my idea of a holiday), calls to the SPCA in the interests of Waffle and the life forms or, the most dreaded fear of all, calls from scammers telling me my PC is infected.

I had also prepared myself to be ambushed by an elite squad of ninja chickens enraged at my public expose of their species.

Speaking of which, and still hoping to spot a chicken crossing the road, I tossed my digital camera into the Bermuda Triangle ensuring I could capture the moment, but alas, it was not to be. However, another example of a chicken did present itself to me. It was stuffed, roasted and slathered in tarragon gravy and very delicious it was, too.

Meanwhile, the life forms returned to school with about as much enthusiasm as a sloth on valium and Waffle busied himself, relationship-building with the felines, although I have no doubt that their version of events would translate into a request that Waffle be served with a restraining order.

Thank heavens for life's little questions that serve as an escape from the absurd, almost tragically comedic, events that make up my life. Which brings me to this week's question. Is laughter the best medicine?

I need only look at my own life to know that laughter has saved me from insanity on more than one occasion and, depending what ails you, with the possible exception of incontinence issues, it can certainly do no harm.

It's proven health benefits may even surprise you. Most will know that laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the feel-good chemical, but did you know that laughter boosts the immune system, protects the heart by increasing blood flow, and can temporarily relieve pain.

There are mental and social benefits too. Research shows that laughter relieves stress, eases anxiety and fear, enhances teamwork and helps to defuse conflict. Sounds to me like an all-round wonder drug ... in the words of Alan Alda: "When people are laughing they're generally not killing each other."

Although my sense of humour has landed me in hot water more times than I can remember, I wouldn't trade it for anything, not even the life forms. For all the misery they bring me, and the tears of despair that they reduce me to, the saving grace is that they each have an amazing sense of humour too, allowing us to laugh together, laugh at each other and, most importantly, laugh at ourselves. Even when I'm mad as hell, and really think I can't handle any more, a scenario, so ridiculous in nature, will flash into my head and the next thing I know, I'm giggling like a schoolgirl.

It doesn't matter, in that moment, that what made me laugh was the thought of stealthily harvesting hair and nail clippings from the life forms in an effort to make voodoo dolls, that I can then stab repeatedly with a huge needle and much glee.

As perverse as that thought might be to some of you, it appeals to my sense of humour and the end result is a feel-good moment coming from a point of total hopelessness. A memory made from madness that will make me laugh every time I re-visit it.

Just last Friday, I called in to Countdown and was greeted by the sight of a teacher, unfortunate enough to have the task of educating two of my life forms, enjoying a wine tasting. He was quick to point out that after a week of enduring my boys, he needed a drink and I was just as quick to let him know that I completely understood.

Although he didn't hesitate to assure me he was just joking (I'm more impressed that it is not a hip flask he is sipping from) it was so nice to share a laugh and come away with a moment that I, in turn, could relate to others, who in knowing the life forms, would see the funny side, too. Laughter shared. Laughter is a medicine that doesn't need trialling, approval or funding, it requires no costly prescription or dispensary fee, is not reliant on animal testing, cannot be overdosed on and, best of all, like last week's chicken, it's free.

I, for one, am happy to self-mediKATE with laughter. Even if it isn't the best medicine for everyone, I'm happy to admit I'm a junkie, and no matter how crappy my life can be I know a fix of laughter will always fix me.

The sole purpose of this column, is to make you smile, and if you smile out loud then even better.

Finally, I'd like to say thanks for your emails, texts, and messages, they mean a lot. Feel free to email me your thoughts and suggestions. My new address is investik8@gmail.com