Positivity and success coach Michelle Arscott tells us how laughter yoga can keep the seasonal blues at bay.
We all know how good laughter is – the more you laugh, the better you feel! However, many are unaware of the real health benefits of laughter. A new trend for harnessing those benefits is catching on across the world: laughter yoga. There are over ten thousand clubs worldwide, and that now includes right here in Doha.
Laughter Yoga is a combination of laughter exercises and yoga deep breathing which draw upon your playful inner child. One of the aims of the class is collective, deep and continuous laughter, for at least 15-20 minutes in order to gain the full benefits of laughter.
And it works. When we laugh heartily, it gives us a sense of release. This helps with stress releif as our mood and our outlook become more positive. Laughter also lowers stress hormones such as adrenalin, and can provide pain relief as laughter triggers endorphins – our body’s natural painkiller.
It’s a practice that can also help people improve their breathing. The deep yogic breathing practiced in between the laughter exercises gives the diaphragm muscle a good workout, increasing our oxygen levels whilst dispelling old stale air. Optimised oxygen levels means that our body functions more efficiently, overall.
Laughter yoga practiced regularly has a positive knock on effect on daily life, as you will find that you will laugh more and more. The spirit of laughter is defined as happiness and positivity, and the more you laugh it will be increasingly present, helping you to lead a more positive life.
Try laughter yoga for yourself and laugh your way to happiness and good health, after all, laughter is the best medicine.
Michelle Arscott is a one-to-one positivity and success coach and laughter yoga leader in Doha. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/laughteryogadoha or e-mail
From http://www.timeoutdoha.com.
