Dear Derek

Dear Derek

I seem to have a low-grade cold pretty well every day of my life it seems. Sniffles, aches ~ the typical TV sufferer. Can laughing help this type of condition?

Signed Stuffed

Dear Stuffed

Yes I think it can. But like most medicines laughter has a bitter side ... you feel and look stupid when you are using it. The very best way to use laughter is to laugh, but it isn't always easy to laugh, so you have to force yourself. Personally, I look in the mirror! ... (but some of us are luckier than most).

Here is my script on the proper application of shtick. Go into the bathroom, look in the mirror and then smile, and hold it for 5 seconds. Now look away from the mirror and pretend you are laughing with no sound for 10 seconds. Finally look back into the mirror and chuckle softly for 3 seconds.

If you follow this for 1 month, you will be healthier and you will enjoy life more. 18 seconds a day ... are you worth it?

Dear Derek

I have moved many times in the last few years and other than a few drunken tirades, I rarely seem to laugh when I am moving. Do you have any suggestions to make moving day more pleasurable?

Signed Your spouse ... for now ... unless we move again soon!

Dear love and light of my being

Moving is only fun when you were not there, or conversely when you do it all. Most of us do enough moving to make it into the Top 10 of our lifetime stresses. Moving can be fun, and sometimes the worse the move the more fun it becomes ... much later.

To make the actual move fun, if you are not inclined towards planning a military campaign, take yourself completely out of it ... pay an unbelievable amount to have others do the shitty job for you. You spend your time going to movies, shopping, or at a spa. This is popular with most women and in the long run slightly less expensive than the potential psychotropic prescriptions.

If you love the battle, hire a couple of strangers, not just strange friends, and go to it ... a small token of appreciation during the move will enhance the laughter and let you feel for a brief shining moment, you are in charge.

Dear Derek

I have read that 30% of us don't take our full time off from work and this contributes to our overall stress levels. How can a person use humor to get more days off?

Signed Chained to my desk

Dear Chained

As I write to you on a laptop overlooking a lake I am having trouble focusing on your problem.

In general forced laughter is not a good idea. Laughing at your boss while asking for time off may get you more than you hoped for. Actually being in a good mood isn't a good idea period. You should look a little morose, but not “keep me away from sharp objects” morose. The key is when you return from vacation, act like the world is your oyster, do more than you ever have before and soon the vacations will be automatic.

Dear Derek

How do you focus on work when the summer comes around? I find it very hard to do my work and wonder if you have a tip on using humour to stay focused?

Signed Daydreaming about fun things

Dear Day dreaming Can you repeat the question?

By Derek Wilken