12 Mental and Physical Health Benefits Of Laughter Yoga

Laughing your way to good health – and mental strength – is possible by practising Laughter Yoga. The saying “Laughter is the best medicine” is true! Laughing on purpose (Laughter Yoga) transforms lives, leading to a healthier, happier, and longer life. Best of all, it is accessible.

A great social connector, Laughter Yoga is perfect for companies, communities and individuals to experience social and team bonding.

 

1. Changes your mood

You can participate in Laughter Yoga even if you’re not feeling happy or glum. Our brains don’t know the difference between intentional laughter and real genuine laughter. Boosting positive chemicals inside us when we laugh on purpose is a real bonus to help you. This is one of the key bonuses of Laughter Yoga and why so many people continue to do it to ward off anxiety and depression.

2. Dissolves stress

The most significant benefit is stress relief. Stress and overwhelm are so common in this challenging world. They create high levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Having too much of this is potentially harmful to your body and can create illness.

3. Boosts your immune system

Fight those infections off – laughter boosts the number of natural killer cells. Prolonged laughter also boosts antibodies, reducing the incidence of general illnesses.

4. Helps you cope better

Coping with challenging situations becomes much easier when you can dissolve situations which are out of your control, all through laughter.

5. Acts as a painkiller

The release of endorphins helps ease pain. Norman Cousins was a great example of this, laughing to will allow himself to sleep without pain. He wrote a book entitled “Anatomy of an Illness.”  We have had many Laughter Yoga participants experience reduced pain, and migraines have disappeared after a session.

6. Improves your heart health

You can activate your blood pressure by laughing on purpose. You boost it, then reduce it with the relaxation laughter provides. Laughter improves both the amount of oxygen supplied to our heart and our blood circulation.

7. Provides a happy exercise programme

Yoga is a perfect exercise routine, as it effectively works the heart and improves blood circulation. It also incorporates laughter and aerobic activity, which can be practised while sitting or standing, making it accessible for people with mobility issues and visual impairments. Indeed, our audio-described YouTube video for Henshaws, a charity for the blind, has been viewed over 6,500 times!

8. Stimulates your brain function

With more oxygen taken in when we laugh, our brains work better. It gives you an injection of creativity and concentration. Hence, more and more schools schedule regular Laughter Yoga sessions for their pupils.

9. Regulates blood glucose levels

Higher blood glucose levels have long been associated with feelings of anger or sadness.  Laughter helps lower blood sugar and protein levels in the blood.  * A study conducted in Japan has shown that patients have a lower blood sugar spike after laughing than those who do not.

10. Improves your breathing

You’ll be breathing deeply, which means your lungs are going to empty their old, stale air. Your lung capacity will increase, too! This ultimately means the more you laugh, the healthier your lungs become.

11. Increases relaxation and improves sleep

Laughter is a natural relaxant – not only great for all your muscles but also for your brain. You’ll most likely sleep better.

12. Exercise facial muscles

Laughter easily tones your facial muscles – few exercises can do this. You’ll also receive an increased blood supply to your face, so getting a beautiful flow, which is why jolly people often appear younger with a more positive outlook on life!

Want to be healthy, happy, and live a long life? “Laughter is the best medicine”

For more information on Laughter Yoga sessions, team building, and happiness workshops
Contact Sunny Turner at happy@seriouslaughter.co.uk or call +447974 778091.

* Source: https://www.tenrikyo.or.jp/en/newsletter/html/200303/bloodsugar.html