Celebrate Global Belly Laugh Day!

 

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