Laughter is the best medicine
Friday 08 August 2008
Everyone loves a good giggle with their friends, especially the type that makes you roll around on the floor crying tears of laughter.
But did you know there are some serious health benefits to having a good old chuckle? Recent research has shown that laughter may be the key to reducing your stress levels – the physical action tells the brain to poor out happy hormone endorphin, which decreases the number of stress hormones normally found in the blood.
Laughter also increases the number of antibody producing cells in your body, which strengthens your immune system. And people who laugh heartily also often have lower blood pressure.
Although it may be far more contagious than any flu, cough or cold, laughter is definitely a priceless remedy we all should use. Here are a few tips to help you keep that grin glowing…
* Go to a laughter workshop with your mates. These workshops use different techniques to induce laughter, and yes, some of them are a little silly – but in a good way. To find out more visit www.laughternetwork.co.uk
* Look through old photographs – nothing will have you in tears of laughter as quickly as some old pics of you and your friends with a dodgy eighties perm and carrot jeans!
* Take a laughter yoga class. This form of yoga is an actual exercise regime founded by a family doctor from Bombay who truly believes laughter is the best form of medicine. For more information go to www.laughteryoga.co.uk.
* Listen to your favourite stand up comedian at your nearest comedy club. Use this link to find the nearest club to you www.comedyonline.co.uk
* Watch comedy DVDs and TV shows – have a night in and enjoy your favourite comedies – whether it’s The Office or a romcom, the opportunities are endless. Check out www.lovefilm.com for rental options.
By Tanya Bentley