I am thrilled to introduce Sharon Hohler to Wellness Kriya this week as our guest contributer! Sharon will be contributing to the kriya of EXERCISE THE MIND AND BODY this week. I loved her angle on the value of laughter…..I’m certain you will, too!
The Value of Laugher, by Sharon Hohler
Have you laughed today? We all know that laughter is good for us. But how?
The Healing Power of Humor, by Allen Klein gives us good insights. Humor gives us power; it can be used to overcome fear. When a person talks about and makes jokes about a situation which frightens him, the situation becomes less frightening. As his brain hears the scary words over and over, the fear diminishes.
Mr Klein makes this comment on page 5: “Often we are powerless against the events in our life; sometimes there is little we can do to stop the things that upset us. We can, however, minimize the hold that these upsets have over us by finding some humor in them. Humor can help soothe the rough edges of our day and the most trying moments of our life.”
Laughter increases our ability to cope. We all experience life events such as flat tires, traffic jams and screwed-up schedules. How do we react? Do we take it seriously and stress out? Do we see the humor in the situation and laugh? Author Allen Klein says “adding humor to our difficult times can be one of the wisest things we can do to help us cope with them, stop worrying about them, and get on with our life.” (Klein, A, The Healing Power of Humor, pg 10)
Humor/laughter provides physical benefits. Laughter decreases physical tension and stress. As stress hormone levels drop, our immune system cranks up and makes infection fighting antibodies and immune system cells which means better health. Laughter, especially a good belly laugh, exercises our heart and lungs. When we laugh, our blood vessels dilate and carry more blood to our body. Laughter releases endorphins, our feel-good chemicals. Researchers have found laughter relieves pain.
The psychologists at Helpguide.org offer more suggestions on how to develop your sense of humor and add more laughter to your life: “take yourself less seriously…laugh at yourself…attempt to laugh at situations rather than bemoan them…surround yourself with reminders to lighten up…keep things in perspective…deal with your stress…pay attention to children and emulate them.” Laughter is the Best Medicine at http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm
Sharon Hohler is an RN and a writer. She has published several magazine articles and is currently completing her second book. Check out her website at www.livingthehealthylifewehavechoices.blogspot.com
More from Sharon Wednesday! Stay tuned!
Wellness Kriya 