Why should we laugh when there are so many reasons not too laugh around the world? Laughter is an innate & natural way of achieving connection, clarity, health, harmony & lightness by rebalancing the chemistry of tension, stress & pain, and having fun doing it.
The average child laughs 400 times a day, The average adult laughs 17 times a day .There is no reason for this deterioration in frequency, except that we as adults choose to be more serious, thinking it adult to do so.
What happens when you laugh? From NZ Herald
Laughter activates the chemistry of the body...in particular Seratonin and Endorphins, which create the feel good effect....and increases our capacity to fight disease. Laughing relaxes the body and reduces problems associated with high blood pressure, strokes, arthritis, and ulcers. Some research suggests that laughter may also reduce the risk of heart disease. It also has a high social context!
A good hearty laugh can help: reduce stress , lower blood pressure ,elevate mood,boost immune system ,improve brain functioning , protect the heart , connect you to others , foster instant relaxation , make you feel good.
In these gloomy times it's hard to find the silver lining, but Pat Armistead says humour - and sharing it with others - is the way to move
forward.These are dark, dark days. Recession, job losses, terrible weather and a winning Aussie league team. Feeling happy yet?
Pat Armistead lived through her share of pain before learning how to be happy. Her partner of two decades left her. Her son died. Her business failed.
However, it was here, in the midst of misery that she discovered the only way to move forward - learn to laugh, take pleasure in the small things and share this new understanding with others.
“As a result of a long series of losses, I fell into a depression,' says Ms Armistead.
“I didn't want to be medicated so I went looking for something else. In the end, I came to the realisation that in medicine there is haematology and neurology but no joyology.'
About eight years ago, she founded the Happiness Club. It is based on the Auckland's North Shore and offers meetings, speakers and regular newsletters.
“I saw how pain keeps us trapped,' says Ms Armistead. ``But it's not about cracking jokes, it's about being good humoured despite everything.'
Mikal Nielson is a new member of the Happiness Club, although he has been following the club's newsletter for two years.
“I am fascinated by the different approach to life,' he says. ``More joy, more laughter, I truly believe that's the way to go.'
The president of the New Zealand Positive Psychology Association, Aaron Jardin, agrees. The lecturer in psychology at the Open Polytechnic says there is a lot of research being undertaken on the idea of happiness and it's effect on people.
“The field of positive psychology is about 11 years old and you need a longer time to really understand the impact,' he says.
Mr Jardin does believe happiness can be learned.
“Yes, you can learn to be happy,' he says. ``But how you learn to be happy is different for everybody. There is no easy way.'
In the field of positive psychology, researchers have begun to develop a variety of interventions in an effort to find what works best.
“In America, the gratitude visit seems to work really well,' says Mr Jardin. ``It's about writing a letter of gratitude to someone who has helped you.'
An international study is under way to find out what works on a global scale. The researchers behind the Wellbeing Study are look at what works and what doesn't work for people from differing backgrounds around the world. Anyone wanting to be join the the New Zealand section of the study will find more information online at www.wellbeingstudy.com.
Ms Armistead encourages people to really look at what makes them happy. She says happiness and humour can help shift our perspectives and help us appreciate the small things in life.
" takes you off the path and throws you in the bushes,' she adds ... with another laugh.
The Parting Shot:
I believe you are here to bring joy
Not just into your own life but the lives of others.
10 years ago I started sending what I call Glad Mail. I send 3 pieces a day honouring, acknowledging, personally congratulating what I see in others. That's over 10 thousand pieces of mail.
Catch people doing something right!
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