The laugh heard round the world
What was the funniest thing you ever saw or heard?
Chances are you laughed so hard you couldn’t do anything
else. It’s the kind of laugh that paralyzes you, and all you can do is
surrender to the moment.
No doubt life is stressful at times. It can be hard to laugh
when you feel the weight of the world on your chest. But what if you could
laugh on purpose? What if all your tension could disappear so you feel lighter
than a feather—even for a moment?
Back in 2006, Elaine Helle noticed that people weren’t
laughing enough. Being a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher, she knew the
benefits. So, on January 24 at 1:24 PM, she called people to take a moment and laugh
as hard as they could.
Since then, it has become a global celebration!
"You don't stop laughing because you grow older. You grow older
because you stop laughing." -
Maurice Chevalier
Laughing is Good for You
Laughing may seem like a silly waste of time. But is it?
Those who laugh regularly enjoy these health benefits:
·
Laughter is a natural pain killer. It produces endorphins, the
"happy" brain chemical. Endorphins relieve stress, reduce anxiety,
ease chronic pain, and make you feel good all over.
·
Laughter strengthens your heart. Like a cardio workout, laughing increases
your heart rate.
·
Laughter protects you from disease. A Harvard study found that the more you
laugh, the less likely you are to have a chronic medical condition.
·
Laughter tones your midsection. A belly laugh flexes your abdominal muscles
by rapidly contracting and relaxing them. So, if you can't make it to the gym,
listen to your favorite comedian instead.
·
Laughter boosts immunity. It does this by activating your T-cells (immune
system cells) so you can fight off germs and infections.
·
Laughter lowers your blood pressure, according to the University of Maryland
School of Medicine. It also reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke.
·
Laughter relieves stress. A good belly laugh reduces your cortisol levels
(stress hormones).
·
Laughter helps people suffering from depression. A 2011 Oxford University
study found that laughter significantly eased the physical and mental pain of
depression, regardless of severity (momentary or chronic).
Want to laugh now? I’ll bet you do!
"Laugher
is the sun that drives winter from the human face." - Victor Hugo
How to Participate in Global Belly Laugh Day
Here’s what to do, courtesy of https://www.bellylaughday.com.
On January 24 at
1:24 PM (local time) smile, throw your arms in the air, and laugh out loud.
That’s it! Pretty simple, right?
If you need help laughing, find a funny meme or photo online. Make a funny
face in front of your friends. Tell a story about something silly you did.
Make a video of your class laughing. If you want to post it online, add the
hashtag #bellylaughday. We’d love to see your videos and hear your stories!
Have a good belly laugh whenever you feel down and need a quick lift. It’ll
do your body, mind, and soul good!
"The
most wasted of all days is one without laughter." E.E. Cummings
