The Laughter Workout
in Laughter
Skip the gym, and have a good laugh instead? We’re firm believers in the health and happiness benefits of laughter. This article in the New York Times takes a look at a recent study comparing laughter to exercise:
They could hear their volunteers belly-laughing. Their abdominal muscles were contracting. Their endorphin levels were increasing in response, and both their pain thresholds and their general sense of amiable enjoyment were on the rise.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, though- a few years ago, CNN wrote that Studies have shown that mirthful laughter, the kind that stems from real joy, relieves stress, lightens mood and confers health benefits, and Laughter Yoga, which combines laughter with yogic breathing, is growing in popularity around the globe every day.
In fact, it’s said that “laughtercising”- the practice of laughing 30 seconds to 5 minutes as often as 10 times a day- can help weight loss and curb food cravings.
So have a laugh today- it’s good for you.