No Laughing Matter!

Laughing Man stone face statue Budapest, Hungary

Winter blahs setting in...cold, rainy...no hiking...no walking...ugh! But I have to get some exercise...How about yoga? I've taken a few classes but I wanted to know more about what type of yoga might be best to achieve my goals. While searching the internet I found a yoga practice that I think will fit my needs perfectly! Laughter Yoga! No kidding!

In 1995, Dr. Madan Kataria was doing research for a  paper about the effects laughter had on health Starting with just a few people at a public park in Mumbai, India, Dr Kataria launched a laughter club. The group shared jokes and stories and sometimes just laughed for no reason at all. 

Based on his research, Dr. Kataria developed a range of Laughter Exercises including fundamentals of role-play and exercises used by students of drama. He further developed techniques using elements of childlike playfulness to stimulate laughter within the group.

As Yoga practitioners, Dr. Kataria and his wife Madhuri, saw the similarities between Laughter and Pranayama exercises, and incorporated facets of this ancient form of Yoga into Laughter Yoga, including the deep breathing exercises, to intensify the impact.

Dr Katari's Website, www.laughteryoga.org, has extensive reports on the positive health benefits of practicing Laughter Yoga as well as information on Laughter Clubs and online training.

So what health improvements can one expect from practicing Laughter Yoga? Here are Dr. K's Top Ten Reasons Why Laughter is Good for You! Courtesy of Robert Mansfield - www.goodtoknowco.uk

1. Laughter boosts your immune system: Researchers have found that laughter actually boosts the immune system, increasing the number of antibody-producing T cells. This then makes us less likely to get coughs and colds. It also lowers the levels of at least four hormones that are associated with stress, so after a good giggle you should be far less tense and anxious.

2. Laughter relieves pain: A good chortle has been found to reduce pain. Not only does it distract you from aches, but it releases feel-good endorphins into your system that are more powerful than the same amount of morphine.

3. Laughter improves your social life: If you can make people laugh, then you're likely to have more friends, because everyone loves a joker. You're also likely to achieve more at work: if you have a good sense of humor you'll be more productive, a better communicator and team player. In fact, most things we laugh at aren't necessarily actual jokes, but comments in everyday conversation. Laughter is as much about social relationships as it is about humor.

4. Laughter helps relieve depression: Laughter has long been known to help people who are suffering from the either SAD or full-blown depression. Laughing reduces tension and stress, and lowers anxiety and irritation, which are all major factors that contribute to the blues.

5. Laughter boosts your relationship: If you're looking to find a new partner, then laughter will help you find a new mate. Men love women who laugh in their presence and women actually laugh 125% more than men. And if you're already with someone, then a shared sense of humor is an important factor in keeping your relationship running smoothly.

6.Laughter gives you a mini-work-out: We've probably all used, or at least heard, the phrase 'my sides ache' after laughing too much. Well, it's no real surprise. A good belly laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts your abdominal muscles and also works your shoulders. This will make you feel a lot more relaxed. In fact, laughing 100 times is the equivalent to 10 minutes on the rowing machine or 15 minutes on an exercise bike.

7. Laughter protects your heart: According to a study by heart specialists at the University of Maryland, people with heart disease were 40% less likely to laugh in a variety of situations compared to people of the same age without heart disease. Laughter has been found to benefit the way blood flows around the body, reducing the likelihood of heart disease. The research said that 15 minutes of laughter a day is as important for your heart as 30 minutes of exercise 3 times a week!

8. Laughter lowers your blood pressure: People who laugh a lot on a regular basis have lower blood pressure than the average person. When people have a good laugh, the blood pressure increases at first, but then it decreases to levels below normal. Breathing then becomes deeper and this helps to send oxygen-rich blood and nutrients throughout the body.

9. Laughter improves your breathing: Laughter empties your lungs of more air than it takes in resulting in a cleansing effect - similar to deep breathing. This is especially helpful for people who are suffering from respiratory ailments, such as asthma.

10. Laughter helps you lose weight: Burning off calories by laughing might not sound as if it has much use, but a hearty chuckle raises the heart rate and speeds up the metabolism. If you're dieting, think about adding laughter to your exercise regime. A good sitcom might easily keep you laughing for 20 minutes or more.

So add some laughter to your exercise routine and have some serious fun!