The Best Medicine

We have found laughter to be one of the ways to shift our thoughts into a more relaxed state. Studies have shown utilizing laughter reduces the flow of cortisol in your system. As you laugh, your body brings in rich oxygen that stimulates endorphins in your brain. While this endorphins are released, your blood flow increases as well as the relaxation of your muscles. Having a flow of endorphins produces “happy chemicals in your brain” which studies have suggested contributes to a decrease anxiety and depression.

Working on strategies to support people finding ways to increase laughter in their daily activities is something we incorporate in our practice. We have found that laughter supports connections and strengthens communication. At times you can find yourself on an emotional roller coaster, feeling as if you are falling into a pit of despair. Finding a new path to shift away from the burdens that are bringing you down can be established by the introduction of laughter. With these new passageways it can create a new avenue to inner peace. It’s a matter of shifting perspectives to what is undesired to something that could possibly be positive.

Some references of this practice over time have been shown through multiple sources. The beloved movie, “Pollyanna” introduces the concept of “The Glad Game,” in which Pollyanna uses this tool to bring optimism and joy to all those around her. The famous scene in Disney’s Mary Poppins of Uncle Albert and how as they laughed, they floated to the ceiling. In the movie Monsters Inc. on the scale of screams vs laughter, laughter was ten times more powerful. All of these are excellent examples of the positive effects of laughter on the mind, body and overall well being.

Let us help you get you back on track utilizing the tools of laughter and implementing them into your daily life.