Have You Laughed Today?
Have you laughed out loud today? You should! More and more research shows that laughing is so good for us physically and mentally! It’s a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Check out these benefits of laughter:
- relieves physical tension and stress
- boosts the immune system
- triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good
chemicals - is good for the heart
- counteracts distressing emotions
- increases energy
Yet many of us (including myself) laugh less often and more quietly as we get older. My 8 year-old has no problem laughing and getting the uncontrollable giggles. I have much to learn from her. I am working on laughing louder (and not being embarrassed) and laughing more easily. I look for reasons to laugh – sometimes it’s a funny animal video on You Tube. One of my favorites is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWvefaN8USk (funniest at the end). Laughing is contagious so being around other people who laugh easily is helpful. Check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP4abiHdQpc. Laughter yoga is another option that is gaining in popularity and is great fun.
If you would like to learn more, check out this helpful article and get laughing!
http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm
Tina Hallis, Ph.D., is a professional speaker and consultant for The Positive Edge, a company dedicated to helping people and organizations fulfill their true potential using strategies from the science of Positive Psychology.