With life tending to be more serious as we transcend into and beyond adulthood, laughter seems to be more infrequent compared to when we were children and most things, small or big amused us and we could laugh multiple times a day.
Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine. – LORD BYRON
It is called Laughter Therapy, and the aim is to use humour and laughter to improve and elevate emotional well-being by relieving pain and stress. Therapy includes the use of laughter exercises, comedy and games.
The act of laughing is not something that may come easy to everyone, but luckily for those who do struggle, the body cannot actually distinguish the difference between real and fake laughter, so both have the same beneficial therapeutic effects. So even if the need arises, as they say, “Fake it till you make it”-Aristotle.
Benefits of laughter on our Health and Well-being:
- Draws people together, triggering healthy physical and emotional changes.
- Strengthens our Immune System.
- Boosts our mood by releasing a “feel good” hormone called Dopamine.
- Decreases/Relieves pain.
- Relaxes the entire body, relieving physical tension and stress and leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
- Protects against damaging effects of stress on the body.
- Assists in bringing the mind and body into balance.
What can you expect with Laughter Therapy?
A therapist will be present to guide the whole session and is done in groups in order for connections with other individuals to be improved.
Therapy can consist of the following 4 steps:
- Clapping and warm-up exercises that help build positive energy in the group.
- Deep breathing exercises that help bring mental and physical relaxation.
- Childlike playfulness that helps bring a happy mood and laughter.
- Laughter exercises that may involve playful games and narrating funny experiences.
Laughter is not just a feel good activity or emotional response. The benefits can be spread beyond a happy face. So why not take the chance, step out of your comfort zone and giggle, chuckle, snicker, snort, or just Laugh Out Loud your way to good health.
