Laughing Just for the Health of It

Stressed? Need a lift? Just open wide and say HA! No prescription necessary. Just laugh. We’ve all heard that laughter is the best medicine, and that’s no joke! Laughter boosts the immune system, reduces the effects of stress, lowers blood pressure, lifts spirits, eases anxiety, improves circulation and even helps reduce pain. A hearty laugh exercises the diaphragm and abdominal muscles. Laughter Yoga professionals like to call it “jogging” for your insides. It’s energizing. It even burns calories. Preliminary studies have shown that even anticipating laughter helps raise our endorphin levels, promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels.

When we breathe, especially when under stress, we typically replace only about a third of the air in our lungs. At times, we even unwittingly hold our breath. Practicing laughter helps expand lung capacity to increase the intake of vital oxygen. This renewed air supply feeds the brain, bloodstream and every cell in the body. It helps with detoxification. It trains us to be more conscious of our breathing.

Laughter is an example of the mind-body connection. Laughter sends our body messages to relax, be happy and be present. It also improves our skills for coping with life’s challenges by reminding us not to take our minor problems and ourselves so seriously. Laughter, a natural expression of joy, creates positive energy that flows out into the world having a favorable effect on others.

All we need is to give ourselves permission to let go and laugh. Laughter helps us connect with our playful side, our little inner five year old.

In truth, we can laugh as an exercise just for the health of it. Once we open our “laughter channel”, laughing will become easier and we will start to laugh more often.

Tips to find more laughter in your life:

• Rent funny movies, read comics and funny books.
• Spend time with fun friends or family members
• Go to a comedy club
• Dial a smile. Call the Laugh Line, a free conference call where you can laugh 12 times a day with a Laughter Yoga Leader and people from all over the US.
Visit http://www.laughteryogaonthephone.com/ for details.
• Join a laughter group http://www.laughteryoga.org/
• Laugh alone. Laugh in your car on your way to work. You can reduce your stress in just a matter of a minute or two. Once you start you may not want to stop.

Performing laughter exercises prior to public speaking, taking an exam, interviewing for a job or any stressful situation can help reduce tension and build confidence. Like any exercise, the more we practice, the easier it gets.
Wow! Isn’t it wonderful that something so fun and easy is healthy too?



Our guest blogger this week is Meg Scott. Meg is a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher. Her 2-day Laughter Yoga Leader training workshop is designed for individuals interested in leading Laughter Clubs or incorporating the techniques in existing exercise or group programs. You can reach her at megscott35@gmail.com or call 614-216-9371. Her work can be seen at her website, http://www.laughteryogawithmegscott.com/ .