Laughter Therapy, discover the benefits of laughter
Laughter is natural for human beings and is a sign of joy. It has always been considered synonymous with good health, but probably few of you imagined that laughter is so good for our health, as studies have demonstrated today.
The therapeutic effects of laughter have been studied since the 70s, particularly by Dr. Madan Kataria, who also developed laughter yoga in Mumbai and the first laugh centre in 1995.
Benefits of Laughter
Laughter is considered curative and it is a therapy that is available to all of us. Laughing has many benefits that have been reported by doctors and health professionals, such as:
- It reduces levels of stress hormones
- Strengthens the immune system
- Promotes muscle relaxation
- Helps fight pain
- Helps reduce blood pressure
- Aids Cardiovascular Fitness
- It is a natural antidepressant
Effects of laughter
Laughter is a natural reaction to a stimulus that amuses us, however, laughter gives us wellness and helps to work the muscles, especially of the face and diaphragm. In addition, the euphoria we feel when laughing is a good way to combat stress. Laughter also improves blood flow, and promotes the release of endorphins.
It is worth mentioning that not all people have an “easy” laugh, however, a very important fact is that the body does not distinguish between a fake and real laughter, so that we benefit even falsely laughing.
Why should we laugh more?
Mainly because laughing costs nothing. In some hospitals, laughter has been used as a treatment for depression. It is suitable for all age groups to improve moods and it is contagious, so you can also expect benefits for those around you.
Learn to laugh more
Laughing can be simple, children laugh about 400 times a day, while adults laugh on average 15 times a day, if you want to laugh more, there are simple strategies that you can perform.
Do not focus on the negative: We all have bad days, however, try to stay positive, enjoy your friends, watch a comedy, read comics, or find a hobby you enjoy.
Spend time with children: They find laughter very easy, so if you meet and play with children, you will find out how much you can laugh at their side. Children are also very creative, so you may find it rubs off on you.
Tell jokes: They have to be the best, it is important to laugh, read and share jokes with your friends and colleagues, you can achieve a fun atmosphere, and there will be lots of laughs.
Learn to laugh at yourself: When you do not know whether to laugh or mourn, instead of feeling embarrassed, or frustrated by something that happened that is embarrassing, laugh! It is definitely a better and healthier option than anger or sadness.
What is laughter therapy?
A laughter session can be achieved with different tools, but the main aim of the therapy is to laugh out loud. In many cases, the laughs begin as false, however, while laughing, it often becomes actual laughter. Sessions are conducted in groups.
We can expect several results at the end of the session, it is likely that there is a sense of relaxation and well-being.
Although laughter does not replace any medicinal therapy, it is an excellent complement.
Warnings
Although it is considered safe, laughter can cause temporary pain to patients who have recently undergone surgery, it is recommended to consult a professional if you suffer from hernias, hemorrhoids, heart disease, asthma, chronic cough, spinal problems, hypertension, incontinence, epilepsy or other advanced illnesses.