National Let’s Laugh Day

We have all heard the saying “Laughter is the best medicine.” 19 March is the perfect opportunity to take your medicine as it is National Let’s Laugh Day.

Studies have shown that laughter is good for you, as it may boost your immune system, relieve tension and help you to relax. And, who does not need these things in our busy and hectic world?

Elsa Maxwell said, “Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can.” William James also had a saying about laughter, namely “We don’t laugh because we are happy, we are happy because we laugh.”

Laughter – as we are all aware – can be contagious, and even a fake laugh can have some benefits. Laughter yoga is a class where the abdominal muscles, lungs, arms and facial muscles are engaged with the use of humour. This is done to get you laughing in an attempt to cure that which is troubling you.

A total of between 10 and 40 calories per 10 minutes are burned during a laughing session lasting for 10 minutes or longer. This means that those long, uncontrollable bouts of laughter between you and a friend that often end in tears and aching stomach muscles are beneficial.

In fact, if you keep up with those don’t-look-at-me-or-I’ll-start-laughing-again looks, you will continue burning more healthy calories and enjoy a good memory too!

To celebrate today, add a laughing baby ringtone to your phone. Use humour to make someone’s day better or just take some time out to laugh – with someone, or at yourself.

Use #NationalLet’sLaughDay to post on social media.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

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