People in Hong Kong are easily under stress with their hectic work in such a competitive and bustling city. In regard of college and university students in Hong Kong, many of us have to strike a balance between academic demands and part-time jobs. According to the research result reported by Murphy and Archer (1996), the most prominent stressor experienced by college students was that there were t
oo many academic demands but too little time. To meet all the demands from school and work, they experience certain extent of stress. It is found that long-term stress can cause health problems such as anxiety, poor sleep, depression and weakened immune system. More and more students tend to be fond of drinking coffee and alcohol excessively to relieve stress. However, in long term, drinking coffee or alcohol can lead to coffee or alcohol dependence, or even abuse that may bring detrimental effects on physical and psychological health. Some studies have shown laughter is a great way to deal with stress. But many people are unaware that spending time laughing regularly actually provides some great benefits to their health as well. First, laughter leads to a stronger immune system, as well as fewer physical effects of stress. Second, laughter provides a physical and emotional release. Live comedy show brings a sense of humour which is not found in normal movie or TV. The contagious nature of laughter lets the audience relieve stress while enjoying the show, or having jokes for reference at the later time. The live comedy show of TakeOut Comedy Club is an interactive activity which is different from comedy movies that you watch on TV. There is more interaction between comedians and the audience. Immediate reaction takes place while comedians ask the audience questions. Interactive communication is more likely to exist. The TakeOut Comedy Club holds regular comedy shows which contain Cantonese, Mandarin and English. Students can also learn some informal conversation skills through the show. Comedy shows should be promoted as both leisure and learning activities to college and university students in Hong Kong. Therefore enjoying stand-up comedy is a good way to relieve one’s stress as long as the theme of performance can be relevant to their life experience. Jokes are often about what they may dislike so the audience feel like they are involved as the comedians are speaking their mind.
