Can you remember the last time you had a hearty laugh?
A time where you were laughing so hard you were gasping for breath?
Or a time where you couldn’t seem to wipe the tears fast enough from your eyes because you couldn’t control yourself from laughing anymore?
We have all had moments like this and they are moments and feelings that we don’t forget. Despite the shortness of breath, stomach/cheek pain, and watery eyes, I’m sure that we all wish we had many more of these moments. Laughter can be used as a type of “medicine” to cure anxiety. What today is known as laughter therapy suggests that you should laugh out loud for 10-20 minutes each day. Many of us, myself included, would find it hard to sit alone and laugh for this allotted period of time. Because of this, laughter therapy highly suggests that it be done in groups where there is one leader and a minimum of 5 group members.
During laughter therapy, the follower begins to laugh and invites all of the participants to follow his or her lead. Oftentimes, even those who think they could never make themselves laugh, eventually laugh because everyone else is. If laughter therapy does not appeal to you, get together with your family or friends that you enjoy spending time with or watch a comedy. Whenever you are laughing you are not caught up in the fears or anxieties of your life. It is a proven fact that laughter helps you relax and recharge, so make sure to take this vital time each and every day to reduce your anxiety and be in a happier state of mind.
Fun Facts on Laughter:
- Laughing is contagious!
- 15 minutes of laughter equals the benefits of 2 hours of sleep.
- Laughter releases endorphins into the body that have the same exhilarating effect as doing strenuous exercise.
- A good laugh can relieve physical tension and stress which leaves your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes.
So… Get laughing!
Sources: http://www.experiencefestival.com/wp/article/laughter-is-the-best-medicine-for-anxiety-too http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm http://www.humor-laughter.com/laughter-facts.html
Stay healthy and be YOU! Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
-Emily Schmitz
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