People say that laughter is the best medicine and last night I got a double dose of it. In our kitchen, totally exhausted and Mr T said something funny (and no I now have no idea what it was) and I cracked up. Seriously I don’t think I have ever laughed so hard. I fell on the floor snorting giggling and yes even dribbling. Not entirely my best look. However once I started I couldn’t stop, it was infectious and suddenly there’s the two of us on the floor laughing with our entire bodies. And this went on for half an hour!

Afterwards I was totally drained in a good way. It was an amazing feeling with the bonus of being a fantastic workout for my abs. It got me thinking about laughter. Laughing does things to our body that nothing else does. It is one of the healthiest releases of emotions. Have you any idea how healthy laughing is?

• Laughter  oxygenates your blood.
• Laughter decreases stress hormones in the body such as cortisol and adrenaline.
• Laughter strengthens the immune system.
• When we laugh our bodies release endorphins, the feel-good hormone.
• One minute of laughing burns the same number of calories as 6 to 10 minutes on a treadmill.
• Laughing raises your mood; joyfulness through laughter is the fastest way to create a positive state of mind.
• Laughing is good for the heart and improves blood circulation.
• Laughter can reduce pain and aid the healing process.
• Laughter creates and strengthens human connections.

And if you don’t believe me look up Dr Patch Adams he knows what I mean.

 

It’s amazing that we don’t take the time to laugh more when it is so good for us.

So I am setting us a laughter challenge. For seven days I want you to try some of the following activities and invite laughter into your life. After the seven days write in the comments what difference it makes in your life. (I will also be with you every step of the way.)

Decide to laugh

First you have to decide that you want to laugh more in your life. Set an intention or set it as a goal that you want to laugh more in your life. Remind yourself by pinning laughter quotes around your home and your workplace, on your phone or in your wallet.

Laugh every morning

Choose to laugh every morning. Nothing starts the day better than a hearty laugh and a boost of endorphins. If you are not sure how, choose a technique from below and find what works for you.

Read something funny

It doesn’t matter what and it needs to be short. Check out imgur or the daily cartoons in the paper.

Of course if you want to read a funny book aswell, books are great as it’s an experience thats just for you.

Watch a funny video, series or film

Find something on Youtube that amuses you, watch a funny series or watch a funny film. Pick a comedian and watch them for five minutes every day. Take the time be it 5 mins, 30 mins and hour or two. Whether it’s funny cat videos or Full house whatever works for you to get you giggling and jiggling.

Be silly…I dare you

Do something silly. Put loud music on and dance around the kitchen. Run out and play on a play park. Even jumping in puddles. There are loads of things you did as a child that made you laugh, being silly is fun, so let your imagine carry you away and be silly as you can.

Laughing Yoga

Laughing yoga is a great way to get the chuckles muscles going.  Laughter yoga is based on the belief that voluntary laughter provides the same physiological and psychological benefits as spontaneous laughter. Laughter yoga is done in groups, with eye contact and playfulness between participants. Forced laughter soon turns into real and contagious laughter. There are many, many videos online so find one and give it a go. (Although I would advise keeping tissues handy and don’t eat before you start).

Surround yourselves with people that make you laugh

Surround yourself with funny friends. I am so lucky as Mr T is one of the funniest people I know, he even laughs in his sleep! Honestly every though the constant humor is sometime so irritating, I spend alot of my days laughing because of him. So find someone who makes you laugh and cackle the night away.

Watch your pet or people

Have you ever spent time watching your pets or other people? Both are hilarious. We do the stupidest things when we think noone is watching.

And if in doubt smile. A smile is infectious, it makes you feel better and makes the world a nicer place.

Take up the laughter 7 day challenge, flex those giggle sinews and grin your way into November!!

Remember to share your funny moments in the comments below