Laugh Away

Remember Uncle Albert in the 1964 film Mary Poppins? Laughter made him float! While we do not float like him when we laugh, we do feel like we are “up in the air”.

The observed benefits of laughter to counter stress, pain and other illnesses gave rise to studies on the subject. In the late 1960’s, Gelotology, defined as the study of laughter and its effects on the body, from a psychological and physiological perspective, was established. One of the founders was a Stanford University professor named William F. Fry. According to him, “muscles are activated, heart rate is increased, respiration is simplified with increase in oxygen exchange - all similar to the desirable effects of athletic exercise.”

In 1998, a psychologist, Steve Wilson, started a World Laughter Tour. Laughter Clubs were established across America. The website says “Together, We Can Lead the World to Health, Happiness, and Peace Through Laughter”.

Intentional laughter is as beneficial as that from a stimulus. Apparently, the body cannot tell the difference. With guidance and practice, one can laugh at will. Doing so a few minutes a day does wonders for your health.

TIPS:

o Remember how easy it was to laugh as a child? Find your inner Peter Pan or Pollyanna. Be that child again.

o Try Laughter Yoga.

o Watch a comedy show or movie.

o Organize a get-together with your relatives or besties, in person or virtual, whichever is the safest option.