What’s on your summer reading list?

I read quite a lot, although unless its non-fiction for self improvement or role related, I tend to stick within the same genre of historical fiction. Most particularly Tudor related. The trouble with having such a niche category is I have read most of what is available.

I am just finishing up Alison Weir’s sixth part of Henry VIII wives, Katherine Parr. I have even read her short ebooks that accompany the series.

Next in line in that genre are two books from Nicola Cornick, an author I’ve not read before but taking a punt based on a podcast recommendation.

After that I fancy something different. Something that will make me laugh out loud and feel good. Listening to a couple of podcasts recently has provided some inspiration.

First off was Women of a Certain Rage by George Hall. Amazon reviews say it is “fierce, brilliant, honest and very funny”. A story about a wife who wants to shake up her life after years in a dull marriage and being written off at the age of 50. Unfortunately none of our local books stores have it so I’ve downloaded.

I’d much prefer downloading anyway but I have a ridiculous amount of book vouchers that can’t be used on line so I have to spend them in the shop. That means having to buy physical books that I don’t really want laying around the house, just to use them up.

Anyway, the second recommendation was by Ruby Wax “And Now for the Good News”. An uplifting read about the modern world and finding the positivity amongst the mayhem.

And third on the list was “More Than a Woman” by Caitlin Moran. Billed as a hysterical memoire of a middle aged woman, a manifesto for change and celebration of middle aged women trying to juggle work, home, teenage kids, aging parents and everything in between.

I sincerely hope these books live up to their hype. Let me know if you’ve read them and whether they did or not.

What are you laughing at?

Laughter is the best medicine we’re told. It can reduce stress, improve blood flow and immunity and strengthen relationships. But do we do it often enough? Given all the grownupness we have to do and the many worries that may be invading our thoughts, possibly not.

Some research boffins in California found that kids who suffered severe pain had lesser pain when they watched Zoolander and other funny films. Even just smiling made a difference. Thinking about watching something funny later on in the day has been shown to raise peoples moods.

There’s also the long held belief that whatever facial expressions you have informs your brain as to what mood your in. The suggestion then is to fake it til you make it. Chuckling at something even if you don’t really find it guffawingly funny helps you to feel happier.

According to Dr Robert Provine we laugh 30 times more when in the company of others as its contagious and bonding.

As some who is introverted and has been accused of having a resting bitch face, looks like I’m in trouble! I do get a kick of seeing C laugh so hard at a TV programme that his eyes water. I end up laughing more at him than at what made him laugh in the first place.

I am trying to smile and laugh more often and find humour in things but it’ll take some time and multiple watches of Zoolander to turn this frown upside down.

Help a gal out and hit me with your most chicklesome viewing, listening and reading. TIA x

Laugh out loud

Have you ever laughed so hard you can’t breathe or you’re in tears, or even pee your pants a little?

A TV channel is showing reruns of Who’s Line Is It Anyway? An improvisation show where the comedians are given scenarios to act out. I used to watch this when Clive Anderson used to host the UK version and I’ve seen some of the previous US series. This series is hosted by Aisha Tyler. I think having a female host has brought a whole new level to the shenanigans.

There are 3 usual contestants and a different guest each time. The 3 regulars are Ryan Styles, Colin Mochrie and Wayne Brady. They all seem to be really clever at improv and Wayne seems to be really good at lyrics when they have to do singing improv. At the end of the show they have to read the closing credits out in a style of the host’s choosing.

Laughter is the best medicine. Its an all round muscle work out and releases endorphins that help relieve stress. Twenty seconds of laughter has the same benefits for the lungs as three minutes on a rowing machine. I know which I’d rather do. And apparently it doesn’t matter if you fake it. There’s a whole business to be made from laughter therapy. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2008/jul/06/healthandwellbeing4

TV comedy these days is often mildly amusing but doesn’t tend to make me really laugh. Watching these shows this week has really made me laugh out loud, to the point that I can hardly breathe, or I’m in tears. It’s very clever and very funny. I don’t know whether its because its not overly scripted or political or offensive. Its just good, honest funny stuff.

So can I count a good guffaw as my daily exercise?