Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
“The human race has only one really effective weapon and that is laughter.” Mark Twain
It wasn't until I received my training as a Certified Yoga Leader that I began to understand the healing benefits of laughter. We all know how good it feels to laugh, but why aren't we laughing more?
On average children laugh about 200 times a day, while adults laugh about 12 times a day.
Everywhere we look there is pain, stress, worry, anxiety, depression, etc. Turn on the television to watch the news and it seems like every other news story is worst than the next. Get on the Internet, the same thing. We are constantly inundated with fears, and negativity on a daily basis.
It is especially in moments like these where it is crucial to look for "feel good" solutions.
My advice... Allow more laughter into your life.
There are many benefits to laughter such as:
- It's free medicine
- Anyone can do it
- Doesn't take time away from your day
- Increases blood flow through your body
- Helps trigger the release of endorphins which helps the body feel good
- Helps reduce your pain
- Helps relax the body
- Relieves stress
- Boosts the immune system
- Good medicine for people who suffer from anxiety and depression
- Has been shown to lower blood sugar levels
- Protects the heart
- It's an instant vacation
- Brings people closer together
- Helps create a healthy new perspective when facing difficulties
- Helps get you "out of your head"
- Allows you to let go and not take yourself too seriously
"Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert," according to Melinda Smith, M.A., Gina Kemp, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., contributors to an article called, "Laughter is the best Medicine", retrieved from (http://helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm)
Don't know where to start? Look into joining a Laughter Yoga Club. I'll be starting one soon in NYC. Hope to see you there!
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