There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humour. - Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Few of us would argue with Charles Dickens' famous words. Laughter makes you feel good in the moment and that feeling stays with you, even after a hectic day or week. There are good reasons for this.

"Biologically speaking, laughter increases the secretion of natural chemicals, catecholamines and endorphins in the brain," says psychologist and psychotherapist Dott. Edward Curmi. "It also decreases cortisol secretion and lowers the sedimentation rate, implying a better immune response."

Dott. Curmi says laughter also appears to have a positive effect on many cardiovascular and respiratory problems. In addition, it relaxes muscles, which improves our ability to tolerate pain. So, one can say that humour is an excellent way of keeping well physically and mentally.

From a psychological point of view, Dott Curmi says humour is the foundation of good mental health. "Throughout my clinical experience, when asking individuals and groups what is most important for good health, humour invariably tops the list, followed by love and faith, which many people feel have deluded them."

Few people would deny that a good sense of humour is essential for a successful marriage or friendship. "People crave laughter," Dott Curmi says. "When someone dear to us is unhappy, we do our utmost to cheer them up ourselves."

To Sigmund Freud, jokes seemed so important that he even wrote a book on the subject. "We all know about the magnetism of laughter in our life. In fact, we often call a funny person'"the life and soul of the party'," says Dott. Curmi On the other hand, most of the time, a lack of sense of humour indicates underlying problems like depression and alienation."

Breakfast humour

Ozi & Jay host The Big Breakfast show, recently launched on XFM 100.2 They are renowned for their unique sense of humour and putting a smile on people's face every morning. This is what they had to say about laughter.

David Borg (Ozi) says it is the banter he shares with those close to him - his wife, family and friends - that makes him laugh most: "It is the sort of free comic flow in a relaxed environment which really gives me the greatest pleasure and the platform to be myself. Considering that Jay, with whom I have worked and been friends for around 17 years, is in my close group of friends, our radio show is very much an extension of the laughs we share together as friends though slightly edited."

Ozi hopes that his profession gives his audience a few smiles and laughs in what he says can be a hard life. "I hope they take that smile into the rest of their day and again look forward to starting the following day with a smile too."

Asked about what he believes makes the Maltese laugh most he says it is hard to say and it differs from one person to another: "however I believe that they mostly like to laugh at what is going on around them and what is topical in the world. In groups they also like to laugh at one another. I also find the Maltese to be talented and creative practical jokers".

Ozi agrees that laughter being the best medicine "without a shadow of doubt. It is clinically proven and I put my backing behind it 100%. It always makes me feel better, that is for sure. There is nothing like a good laugh. This is why I recommend to always start the day with us. And if that's not possible, find some comedy and include it in your life."

David spent the first years of his life in Australia and came to Malta in 1992. In 1995 he started working for Island Sound Radio and then moved to Drive where he stayed for many years. In 2003, he moved to XFM 100.2 Radio when it first started and, aside from a couple of years, he has been with them ever since. David is married and has two children and is a full time executive recruiter by profession.

Jason Zammit (Jay) says it is definitely not the widely accepted 'slapstick' comedy that makes him laugh: "I love the satirical approach and I think that's how I look at the material we do on the show. I like to be topical and edgy, without needing to spell it out for everyone to get."

He believes his profession gives people a safe form of stress release: "I also like to think that the show, besides all the laughs and such, can be uplifting and perhaps even inspirational." He said even if just one person takes something from the radio show and applies it to their life for the better, that gives him a great sense of accomplishment.

"When people come up to me and remind me about something we had said days or weeks ago - in some cases, even years ago - then I know they've taken something positive from the show."

Jason says anything a person can relate to and which makes them feel they are not alone on the same "sinking ship" makes for a great reaction among the Maltese: "I think a lot of people in the media don't give the Maltese audience enough credit. We like to pigeon hole everyone as liking one thing or one style only. But they're wrong."

"Positive energy in the form of laughter can only be beneficial for the mind, body and soul," he says. "Laughter really is the best medicine."

Born in Canada, Jason moved to Malta in 1991. His radio career started when the first station in Gozo, Calypso 102, opened in 1993. At the time, aged 21, Jason was presenting a 50's & 60's radio show and has been in the business ever since, with the exception of a few recent years when he worked with a leading online media company. Jason is Station Manager at XFM 100.2 and a professional voice over artist. He is married and has a son.

HOW LAUGHTER HELPS GOOD HEALTH

Laughter:

. relaxes your whole body, relieving physical tension and stress and leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.

. boosts your immune system, decreasing stress hormones and increasing immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, improving your resistance to disease.

. triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, promoting an overall sense of well-being and even temporarily relieving pain.

. protects the heart by improving the function of blood vessels and increasing blood flow.

Physical benefits

• Boosts immunity
• Lowers stress hormones
• Decreases pain
• Relaxes your muscles
• Prevents heart disease

Mental benefits

• Adds joy and zest to life
• Eases anxiety and fear
• Relieves stress
• Improves mood
• Enhances resilience

Social benefits

• Strengthens relationships
• Attracts others to us
• Enhances teamwork
• Helps defuse conflict
• Promotes group bonding

Adapted from HELPGUIDE.org