It has always been a popular saying that laughter is the best kind of medicine, but what if I told you that the deep-rooted belly laugh is actually beneficial for your health?
Yes, it’s true. Research says that laughter is a great form of stress relief and can also improve one’s immune system.
So, as I was searching the web and stumbled upon Laughter Yoga, of course I became very interested.
Laughter Yoga is exactly what it sounds like. It is a very unique practice that combines voluntary laughter exercises with yoga breathing.
I’m serious—laughing is the main focus of this exercise. Cool, right?
It originated in the mid ‘90s by Dr. Madan Kataria, a medical doctor in India, and has spread across 72 countries, according to LaughterYoga.org.
Laughter Yoga can be done alone, but usually involves a group of people who perform 10- to 15-minute-long laughing exercises that consist of fake voluntary laughter that quickly turns into a contagious unconscious laughter.
Dr. Kataria developed the concept of Laughter Yoga based on the scientific fact that because our bodies cannot tell the difference between fake and real laughter, we receive the same physiological and psychological benefits.
Some of the physiological and psychological benefits of Laughter Yoga include reducing stress and strengthening the immune system. It also promotes relaxation and increases circulation.
Not only does Laughter Yoga provide benefits for one’s health, but it also adds fun to one’s life.
After watching some YouTube videos of Laughter Yoga sessions, I found the enormous roars of continuous laughter to be a bit odd at first. But when I really stopped and thought about the practice, it seemed extremely fun.
What better way to improve your health than by laughter?
If you’re anything like me, I find it difficult to stay motivated when finding new ways to exercise.
Laughter Yoga seems like a simple, fun and easy way of enjoying a healthy life.
So, let’s pause and recap—I can stand in a group of strangers, laughing continuously and improve my health all at the same time.
Where do I sign up?
Unfortunately, there are not any Laughter Yoga clubs near this area, but there are clubs in surrounding areas such as Cincinnati and Bryan, Ohio.
It all comes down to the question of what you are willing to do to make yourself happy and healthy.
If you are willing to try new and exciting ways of rejuvenating your health, why not try adding a little laughter in your life.
Even if Laughter Yoga is not something that strikes your interest, I challenge you to just laugh a little more than usual, even if it is forced.
Because at the end of the day, laughter is good for your health and that’s not a joke.
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