Laugh Therapy: Reduce Stress, Boost Immunity, Increase Health
by Michelle Kicherer of www.BananaPitch.com
Do you know how good laughing can be for you? Really good. Laugh therapy has been proven very effective. This might sound like a no-brainer, but people who laugh a lot tend to have lower stress levels, lower blood pressure, and are all around happier people.
As the elders in our lives age, it is important to keep in mind what they are doing on a daily basis. Do they have entertainment? Companionship? Things that make them laugh? Laugh therapy can make a huge difference.
Laughing reduces harmful stress hormones in the body, which overall increases health and immunity. Laughter can be thought of as a “work out” for the body: it stretches muscles, increases heart rate to bring more oxygen to the blood, and increase the levels of “good” hormones in the brain. What are some ways you can make the elderly folks in your life laugh?
Check out this article from Ted Talk’s website for an interesting insight on laughter and laugh therapy, and ideas on how to get other people laughing. All in all, let’s increase the positivity and fun in our lives, and focus on ways to bring laughter to the older adults in our lives.
What’s their favorite show? What comedian did they most like when they were younger (or now)? Is there a game that makes them laugh? A certain story? A goofy expression? Or even…a tickle? Think about the older adults in your life and what can make them laugh-then go laugh together!
