Reduce Stress and Feel Better with Laughter Yoga

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Hi, this is Heather, a wellness coach at Women to Women, and I speak to hundreds of women who are looking to reduce their stress and feel better. I understand completely, and I’m right there with you.

We all are aware of the negative effects of stress. But did you know that a good belly laugh can reduce physical tension for up to 45 minutes? Humor is one of the best tools we have to feel better, and there are real physiological reasons why laughter helps.

Laughter relaxes the mind and body. It bolsters the immune system, releases feel-good endorphins like what you might experience after a good workout. It may even protect the heart by increasing blood flow and oxygenation. Humor and laughter strengthen our relationships by creating positive feelings and encouraging healthy relationships. When we laugh with one another, we are sharing a positive experience.

Have you ever noticed that when several people are belly-laughing, you start to laugh or laugh more? This sort of laughter, where you can barely catch a breath and tears come to your eyes, is a wonderful way to experience joy on an average day.

If you enjoy laughing with others, you might try laughter yoga. This is a form of yoga where you laugh with others. It’s great fun and can be amazing for improving breathing over time. Let’s a try sample session of laughter yoga.

I have a few of my colleagues here to join me. We will laugh for a small bit and it may sound silly. Please join in as you’re listening, and don’t forget to breathe. Be as uninhibited as possible and feel free to laugh aloud. Even if you’re pretending at first, it will feel more real as you continue laughing.

Ready? Okay. Let’s laugh! [laughter] Oh, my goodness! Alright. There are so many ways to add a healthy dose of humor into your day. Here are a few ideas.

Play with your pets. They provide unending humorous antics. Spend more time with people who are funny and get you laughing. Take yourself less seriously. Try this by wearing a corky accessory, or if you make a small mistake or have a klutzy moment, laugh at yourself rather than criticize.

Watch a funny sitcom or movie. For me, nothing beats an old “I Love Lucy” rerun. Read your favorite newspaper comics, keep photos at your desk that you make chuckle. Smiling can lead to laughter, so try to smile more often in your day-to-day errands. Jump on a swing and see how high you can get.

This is not only good exercise, but a great way to laugh with yourself or with your kids. Like anything, the more you incorporate humor into your day, the more you will find yourself laughing. With more laughter, you will find you have a renewed zest and zeal for daily life, and reap the numerous health benefits for many years to come.

For more great tips and articles, please visit our website, www.womentowomen.com.