Laughter
Laughter is the best medicine. It is also the easiest way to release tension in the body.
A good belly laugh can have the same effect as an aerobic workout. You don’t have to check with your doctor before belly laughing but I do advise caution for women, like me, over 40 or who have had children. I suggest grabbing a ‘Depends’ prior to, or crossing your legs during a good belly laugh – It can happen! As I see it, this is the only drawback.
On a chemical level, laughter releases endorphins. These are biochemical compounds produced in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus and there is not a prescription or non-prescription drug that can measure up to these natural anti-depressants and pain blockers. It’s like eating chocolate without the calories.
If you find it difficult to find things to laugh about, at or with then you may want to enrol in a Laughter Yoga class. Dr. Madan Kataria created laughter Yoga a decade ago and today there are more than 5000 clubs/classes in more than 50 countries worldwide. You can potentially laugh yourself healthy in just 20 minutes a day.
Laughter boosts the immune system, can help lower blood pressure, reduces stress, improves our mood and provides an effect of overall well-being. It is difficult to be tense and laugh at the same time TRY IT!