How often do you laugh out loud – you know the type, a laugh that grows louder and louder, causes you to feel giddy, gets yours eyes watering and for some turns into a snort (you know who you are!) which makes laughter amongst friends continue?
Laughter not only lowers blood pressure and boosts the immune system but it also has the wonderful effect of reducing stress levels and tightening your abs – no wonder it is recognized as the world’s best medicine!
Adults are estimated to laugh a mere 17 times a day in comparison to children who laugh away the day up to 400 times. Alright, maybe adults have a tad more stress than kids, coping with work, family, financial concerns but rest assured there are ways we can still laugh…even when things aren’t funny.
Did you know that faking laughter can produce similar benefits to actually laughing? Tests by the University of Michigan have calculated that a 20 second laugh can be as good for your lungs as 180 seconds of rowing!
The first laughter club was established in Mumbai in 1995 and since then 5000 laughter clubs have sprung up worldwide!
Take Laughter Yoga for instance – a form of yoga in which you force real and contagious laughter. The idea behind fake laughter is that your body cannot distinguish between real and fake, so you receive the benefits of stress relief and greater immunity!
Ideas to squeeze a laugh out:
1. Check worldwide listings for laughter trainings, laughter clubs, online trainings, and events;
2. Join World Laughter Day 2012, a worldwide celebration held in over 60 countries with events such as picnics, games, and music to tickle your middle;
3. Are you in and around the UK? Check out events from Ireland and London to Wales and Scotland, where regular laughter events are taking place. Check out where your nearest laughter club can be found at; and
4. Can’t seem to find one within your reach? Check out an online training course to become a certified laughter yoga leader and run your own laughter club! Resources can be found at Laughter Online University.
However you choose to get your giggles always remember that a little laugh can go a long way!
