Laughter for Healing

Hello everyone 👋🏼

This week I thought we could have a right laugh! Come along and share some funny stories, your favourite clips of stand up comedy, and times when you've found laughter to be the best medicine.

Did you know that laughter promotes healing? Here are some of the magical benefits:

😰Stress relief: lowers cortisol and epinephrine, relaxes muscles for up to 45 mins

♥️Heart health: improves function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, lowers blood pressure

🦠Boosts immune system: increases production of T-cells and natural killer cells, helps to fight off diseases and infections

🤕Pain relief: releases endorphins which can ease pain and increase pain tolerance

🫁Organ stimulation: laughter leads to an increased intake of oxygen, which stimulates the lungs, heart and muscles

😃Mood boost: Releases dopamine and serotonin which reduce depression, anxiety and stress and can lead to a more optimistic outlook

🧠Cognitive function: improves focus, memory and creativity by increasing the blood flow to the brain

💪🏼Emotional resilience: helps people cope with challenging situations by allowing them a bit of distance from the problem and enabling them to have a sense of humour about it

🤝Connection and communication: defuses tension, gives people something to bond over, improves social dynamics and fosters a sense of belonging

I'll also read a case study of Norman Cousins, a chap who subsequently wrote a book called Anatomy of an Illness, who healed from his chronic health issues by watching stand up comedy and funny films!

I look forward to having a hoot with you all then 😂

Zoom info:

Click https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72645743611?pwd=fiQaVU7Lo7aDt6TbCvhbY7dvotca9y.1 to start or join a scheduled Zoom meeting.