Don’t hold it in-laughing has many benefits from your head right head down to your toes.
World Laughter Day is coming up this May 7th, and in order to sound informed at your next luncheon, here’s what you should know about it.
The first World Laughter Day took place in Mumbai in 1998, led by Dr. Madan Kataria, the founder of the worldwide Laughter Yoga movement.
The day was comprised of 12,000 inspiring members gathering from different laughter clubs from around the world, for a united mega laughter session.
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The day is described on the event’s website as “a positive manifestation for world peace” that is “intended to build up a global consciousness of brotherhood and friendship through laughter”.
Since it’s creation, it has grown around the world, as various countries and groups join in the fun.
But why are people getting together to make themselves laugh though, in the first place? For the pure science of it.
While fake laughter doesn’t have the same effect on our brain as real laughter, in laughing groups the act of forcing a laugh often turns into real laughter, and the advantages are many.
Here are 5 amazing benefits of making yourself laugh:
1) The Release of Good Hormones and Neuro-peptides
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The act of laughing produces hormones in the bloodstream that correspond with good vibes. It generates chemicals associated with feelings of happiness, bonding, warmth, tolerance, unconditional love, forgiveness, compassion and generosity and also triggers the release of neuro-peptides in the brain that help you feel good.
2) An Improved Attitude
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If you can take a step back and laugh at a difficult situation, it can help to lighten your mood and take a load off your shoulders, (if only for a moment). Every moment counts, and so if this particular one seems impossible, try to see the humorous side-it can make everything that much easier.
3) Better Memory
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According to the results of a study conducted at Loma Linda University in Southern California, laughing changes your brain wave activity, helping to ramp up your memory.
Why? Maybe it’s so that you can remember that great moment or that funny person later on, so you can recall them when you most need it.
Sure, if you do you’ll be laughing by yourself, but the people around you just don’t know what they’re missing!
4) Increased Mental Performance
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Having access to a better memory obviously helps to increase your ability to perform mental tasks. The ability of laughter to relax your mind also contributes to this.
5) Lower Stress Levels
According to Dr. Cynthia Thaik, laughing can lower your cortisol levels, and in turn decrease you blood pressure and heart rate, bringing down all that pent up stress…which is nothing to laugh at.
Too much stress can make us lose your house in Vegas, crash that car into the convenience store (when all you needed was ice cream), and take out the nearest hydro pole, to boot-not to mention the damage done to people.
To join in the fun and find a laughing club near you, check out laughteryogaamerica.com.
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