I was reminded that Laughter IS the Best Medicine yesterday at a retreat I went to. One of the sessions at the retreat was “Laughter Yoga.” I must say, I haven’t laughed that long and hard in quite some time.
You don’t even need to be amused to receive the benefits of laughter. Just do it! Your body does not know the difference.
Laughter increases the flow of oxygen to the heart and brain. It releases endorphins (for a happy feeling) and lowers the production of cortisol (the stress hormone) by as much as 75 percent. Now we all can use a dose of that!
I’ve read stories of people overcoming major illnesses with the help of laughter. They would watch funny movies, for example, for an hour a day. I’ve always made a point of watching a funny TV show in the evenings, rather than the news. Also, when I am lying in bed, I put a big smile on my face, so that my body knows all is well and that I am happy.
“Laughter Yoga” is practiced around the world. To learn more about it go to the Laughter Medicine web site. Our wonderful teacher at the retreat yesterday was Carmela Carlyle. She is a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader and also has a M.A. in Clinical Psychology. Carmela practices in Sonoma and Marin counties, California, where she leads “Laughter Yoga” sessions in the workplace, at professional conferences, spas and yoga studios, and eldercare communities. You can even invite her to lead a session for your company’s or private holiday party.
So let’s start laughing!
One of the exercises we did at the retreat that was really fun and simple was shaking someone’s hand and asking them for their name and then pretending that it was the funniest name you’ve ever heard! Got a friend? Try it out!
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