When we're young we laugh easily but as we get older we often lose that habit. In fact a number of studies will tell you that laughter is really good for you, decreasing stress, anxiety and depression and increasing happiness and contentment.
- Laughter distracts us away from negative thoughts and feelings more effectively than many other distractions
- Laughter decreases the number of stress hormones in our bodies and increases the endorphins that make us feel good and may reduce pain
- Laughter is a social activity, we feel good when we laugh with others - that's why laughter tracks are added to some comedies
- Humour allows us to change our perspective; finding something funny instead of scary or threatening puts us in control
- We take in more oxygen when we laugh because of the changes in our breathing pattern, this gives a boost to many of our physical processes including improving our immune system functions
- Laughter lifts our mood; when I work with very stressed people they often can’t recall the last time they had a really good laugh
- Laughter helps us relax physically and emotionally - remember that wonderful feeling when you've 'laughed yourself out'?
How to use laughter to feel good
- Find a video or book that makes you laugh, watch or read it regularly
- Go to places where others are laughing, or listen to babies giggling on you tube, it’s infectious
- Smile, it’s the beginning of laughter and makes you feel good
- Take time aside to reconnect with your inner child - children laugh easily
- Schedule some time for fun and play, even adults should do this
- Be around kids and pets, they often make you laugh
- Try to see the funny side of things whenever you can
Now post your best joke in the comments (clean please - this page is open to everyone!) so we can all have a giggle.
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Find out more about Debbie's services on www.yorkshirestressmanagement.com or phone 01977 678593
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