It's no joke. Laughter is more contagious than the common cold, but the more you spread it around, the healthier you'll be!
Is laughing good for you?
You've heard the quote, laughter is the best medicine, and it's really true. Laughter triggers healthy physical, emotional and mental changes. It can
strengthen your immune system, alleviate pain and best of all, changes your energy!
Laughter is also a powerful antidote to stress, pain and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh.
Laughter can even heal communities because, when laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy.
So, how do we make sure to get our daily recommended dose of laughter? Below you’ll discover some ways to practice laughter therapy, and make sure you’re receiving all the benefits of laughter that you possibly can!:
Laughter Exercises:
Make Yourself Laugh
You don't have to wait for someone else to make you laugh. Enjoy your own company in the here and now. You can make laughter part of your daily health regimen. For example, start your morning off by smiling at yourself in the bathroom mirror and laughing at least five times. Or, hum a song that makes you laugh when you are taking a shower. Just laugh at yourself 1-2 minutes a day without any reason. It changes your mood immediately, and you’ll start to feel the benefits of laughter.
Watch your favorite comedy film or television show
When laughter is just what the doctor ordered, the sillier or more stupid the movie or show is, the better. The best laughs often come from the least amount of thinking!
Share a good joke or a funny story
So what if you've told this one a thousand times. Some things never stop being funny and they're good reminders that you still have your sense of humor.
Check out your book store’s humor section
Sometimes just standing around paging through some light reading is a great antidote to all the heavy news we hear every day.
Play with puppies!
Many local animal shelters need volunteers to play with and pet their cats, dogs and other furry critters. These cute little animals can add some laughter medicine and joy to your life (and theirs, too). Check out this wonderful infographic from
Mypetneedsthat about shelter dogs.
Pencil in some fun time
Make time for
activities that are just for fun— non-competitive—like bowling, miniature golfing,
plate spinning, karaoke, or face painting.
So, whenever you're looking for some laugh therapy, take a dose of some of these "medicines." Best of all, they need no prescription, come with endless refills and have no dangerous side effects.