Laughter Is the Best Medicine

When you hear someone say either 'laughter is' or 'best medicine' you will automatically put them together, as the quote is so very well known, used and recognised.

Laughter can happen as easily 'as falling off a log', as what begins as fake laughter quickly becomes that of real spontaneous laughter. People tell me they need to laugh more. They have forgotten how to laugh. That is so easy to fix!

Have you noticed how freely our children laugh? Statistically, children laugh between 300 and 400 times a day, as compared with adults 15–17 times a day.

Laughter has never been more important than it is now.  As we grow older, we become serious, losing the beneficial habit of frequently laughing.  Laughter gives an immediate release of tension and uplifts us.

Regular laughter brings the ability to renew your sense of humour, get back in touch with your inner child and increase your joyful feelings. Children have fun and we need to give ourselves permission to be silly and through that, we release inhibitions and learn to laugh again.

Laughter Yoga Benefits - Easy Exercise

The benefits of laughter are many. It is an aerobic exercise, 100 laughs equal 10 minutes of rowing and it gives our internal organs a massage. Deep breathing oxygenates the blood. Laughter strengthens the immune system, releases feel good endorphins, lowers blood pressure and it also brings people together. Laughter opens your heart and feel connected firstly with yourself, then each other going out to all of life and humanity. Making daily laughter a new habit reaps many rewards.

Fake Laughter As Against Real Laughter

Our subconscious mind does not recognise the difference between fake laughter and that of real belly laughter. What starts out as fake laughter quickly turns to be spontaneous laughter. For that reason, it can be a new habit that grows strong. When used as a practical daily exercise, it will improve your health and well being.

Here are suggestions to assist you to benefit with laughter. Firstly, smiling has a similar effect on the subconscious mind and body, so when you see yourself in a mirror, smile and wave.  You can break into a laugh and give yourself positive affirmations or compliments.  This also helps with self love and self esteem.

Another exercise is when driving and you miss the traffic lights, point your finger at them and laugh wholeheartedly until they turn to green.  Dr Madhan Kataria, is an Indian doctor who founded the Laughter Yoga movement, developed a laugh that you can do when in company. Perhaps you want to laugh but it would look ridiculous laughing on your own.  Simply pretend to be talking to someone on your mobile phone, laughing as if you are listening to something hilarious.  Another one and which is a favourite laugh to do, cover your mouth with your hand and do the silent laughter, laugh silently into your hand.

Lyn was the guest speaker at the Boronia Branch of the Country Women's Association of Victoria Inc. in May, 2010.  Members present enjoyed Lyn's presentation on different ways to encourage laughter.  Despite feeling a little 'silly' walking around the room doing actions and laughing at the same time, one felt invigorated after 30 minutes of this therapy.  As a group we would strongly recommend that people participate in this type of therapy on a regular basis. Lorraine Zimmerman, President, Boronia CWA Branch.