Everyone knows that May 1 is celebrated as Labour Day or International Workers Day, but did you know that it is also World Laughter Day? World Laughter Day began in India almost 20 years ago and has now gone global.
Classes in the art of laughter are available at National Institute of Art (NIA). Some call them clown classes, but it’s really much more. Instructor Albina Matuzko has studied this topic for her whole adult career: she is connecting people to their inner child, their innocent, joyful clownish nature. The result? Pure laughter that is good for the body and the soul! Just what you need for health and happiness – a good belly laugh!
Laughter is a positive and powerful emotion that has all the ingredients required for individuals to change themselves and to change the world in a peaceful and positive way. One of the best feelings in the world is the deep-rooted full-out laugh. It can bring people together and establish amazing connections. Everything from a slight giggle to a side-splitting guffaw can change the temperature of a room from chilly unfamiliarity to a warm family-like atmosphere.
There is so much to love about laughter that it seems greedy to look for more, but that’s exactly what researchers Dr. Lee Berk and Dr. Stanley Tan at Loma Linda University in California have done. These two doctors have researched the benefits of laughter and found amazing results. Get ready to get your giggle on!
Blood Pressure
People who laugh can lower their blood pressure, even those who start at normal levels. This in turn will reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Reduces Stress
Laughter can reduce the level of stress hormones that your body produces. This simultaneously cuts the anxiety and tension impacting your body. Additionally, the reduction of stress hormones in your body may result in higher immune system performance.
Ab Workout
One of the benefits of laughter is that it can help you tone your abs. When you are laughing, the muscles in your stomach expand and contract, similar to when you intentionally exercise your abs. Meanwhile, the muscles you are not using to laugh are getting an opportunity to relax.
Cardiac Health
Laughter is a great cardio workout, especially for those who are incapable of doing other physical activity due to injury or illness. It gets your heart pumping and burns a similar number of calories per hour as walking at a slow to moderate pace.
Boost T cells
T cells are specialized immune system cells just waiting in your body for activation. When you laugh, you activate T cells that immediately begin to help you fight off sickness.
Endorphins
If you feel chronic pain or have aches from injuries. Think about this: Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. By laughing, you will release endorphins, which will make you feel good all over, and without Advil!
Wellbeing
Laughter can increase your overall sense of wellbeing. Doctors have found that people who have a positive outlook on life tend to fight diseases better than people who tend to be more negative. So smile, laugh and live longer!
FYI
Art of Laughter classes are available for adults and children. Want to find out more? Call NIA at 543-0600 or come to the end of year Informance (Information and Performance) and check out the clowns along with the talented dancers and actors that will be on stage May 27-29. By the way, NIA’s dance team is competing in France next week, after having placed at the top of the St. Barths competition in March. The young dancers leave on May 1, World Laughter Day, so they will likely be laughing all the way!
