Funny Facts
Written by Leah The Laughing Ginger
The FUNNY SCIENCE BEHIND LAUGHTER. I GEEK OUT ON SCIENCE! HA HA!
Everyday we subconsciously communicate to our bodies and minds through thoughts, words, and actions. To increase joy into our lives we need to practice joyful activities Laughter is one such joyful activity. The best part of laughter is that your body is its own chemical machine, and the more you practice, the more your body will naturally create the feel-good chemicals without needing drugs or substances to feel good. This holds true for most people who are generally emotionally and mentally healthy. There are always exceptions, and it is never advised to quit medications without a doctor's supervision or support
HERE ARE THE FUNNY FACTS OF LAUGHTER
Laughter releases endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. HA HA! Because laughter causes belly muscle contractions, you're not only getting a great workout (where did you get those great ABS? OH these, I got them from Laughter Yoga exercises. Let me show you, haha!), but you also increase your oxygen intake to the brain, which increases your energy level, mental alertness, and improves your mood. PLUS, you give yourself an internal massage. Read on for more info, ha ha ha.
LAUGHTER IMPROVES AND ENHANCES RELATIONSHIPS!
This includes co-workers, friendships, and family relationships, teacher student relationship etc. Because when we laugh with others we create oxytocin, this hormone is naturally produced when we laugh, and hug, kiss, or hold hands. *Hug for 20 second for best outcome.
GROUPS WHERE LAUGHTER YOGA WAS USED TO IMPROVE RELATIONSHIPS!
Prisons, Police, Senior Centers, Hospitals, Schools, LGBTQ+, Cancer Support Groups, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Law firms, and Corporations like Google, etc. These are just a few examples of where Laughter Yoga has assisted in better communication between people.
LAUGH FOR YOUR HEART HEALTH!
Researchers measured blood pressure and vascular resistance during laughter and found that when people laughed, their blood vessels dilated, allowing for easy blood flow throughout the body. Some patients, after months of laughter practice, were able to get off blood pressure medications. Daily laughter practices replaced their medication. So, laugh for the HEART OF IT! HA HA HA!
The Vagus Nerve and Breathing! RELAXATION? MASSAGE? BOWEL MOVEMENTS?
Research on breathwork, including deep breathing exercises or diaphragmatic breathing, shows that breathing at varied rates will stimulate the Vagus Nerve, which is in direct connection with our autonomic nervous system. Our parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems are triggered when we use fast or slow breathing rates.
When we breathe slower and more deeply (diaphragmatic), we set in motion the body's ability to naturally relax itself. In yoga and qigong practices, it has been known for years that belly breathing will massage the internal organs, stimulate peristalsis in the bowels, and relaxation is the overall outcome.
Plus, let's face it, these muscular contractions, including ones produced by belly laughter, create the benefit of elimination from the bowels, and everyone feels better when their mind and body are free of toxins and waste. If you haven't had your bowel movement today or your coffee, skip the laxative once and try 2-3 glasses of lemon water and 30 minutes of laughter. Then, enjoy the benefits.
MENTAL HEALTH AND LAUGHTER: HO HO HA HA HE HE
Caution may need to be in place for the use of laughter exercises with people who have TBI's or other sensory emotional situations. In laughter yoga, we like to say, "Anyone can laugh." There is truth to this, and there are different ways in which we all laugh. Light laughter may be easier for someone with emotional or sensory situations, while loud laughter may be much better for a person with chronic stress. Loud laughter allows for vocal stimulation and vibrates the throat chakra. Some people are stressed because they cannot express their ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc., and loud laughter can be therapeutic for these individuals when they feel safe and give themselves permission to express their voice.
In conclusion, if you enjoyed this write-up and want more information on research, classes, trainings, team-building, happiness workshops, etc., contact me by phone at (575) 342-8999, email at ginger.joy.johnson@gmail.com, or visit my website at https://www.myljw.info/.