Health: In Shape

Writer Mary Pettibone Poole states in a twist on a famous quote, “He who laughs, lasts.” Poole may be on to something, because while happiness, health and longevity are some of the most sought-after attributes by millions of Americans, laughter just might be the key to having all of them.

Laughter not only improves one’s mood and mind, but also, researchers at Loma Linda University’s Schools of Medicine and Public Health have studied the effects of laughter on the body. They have discovered that laughter increases the body’s ability to use oxygen. Laughter not only lowers blood pressure, it reduces stress hormone levels and even boosts the immune system, making it a strong component in battling the ugly effects of stress.

While laughter may seem like a simple solution for maintaining health, it may not be easy to adopt. Pamela Aye Simon, a master’s-level registered dietitian, lifestyle coach and author of the “Book of Blah: Random Thoughts for Boring Days,” feels that most people need a refresher course in regaining a sense of humor.

“I see so many people who are stressed out and going berserk over minor issues,” says Simon. “We need to learn to take a deep breath, assess the situation and laugh at the inane nature of it all. Life feels softer if you can see the humorous stories behind your frustrations. Laughing may not make the problem disappear, but it sure helps make things seem better.”

As a proven antidote to stress hormones, laughter may help make the most of tense situations, particularly family fights.

“I have definitely learned to lighten up and laugh at family dynamics,” says Simon. “I like to sit back and observe the members of my family; dysfunctional behaviors come so naturally to us, we make unhealthy interactions look easy. It’d be a shame to wreck the fun by getting help! Seriously, learning to accept the reality of our families and see the humor of our foibles and flaws is often the best way to deal with it, because we can’t change other people. But we can change our approach and learn to laugh more.”

Have you heard of Laughter Yoga?
Although it may be difficult to believe, studies have indicated that even forced or fake laughter can help blast away the blues. Southern Californians have been catching on to this laughter lifestyle by not only improving their mental and emotional health through grunts and giggles, but by using the benefits of laughter to boost their physical health, as well.

The Laughter Yoga Institute of Laguna Beach practices Haysa yoga, a systematic method devised by a physician and a yoga instructor that integrates unconditional laughter techniques, breathing practices and stretches suitable for all levels and yoga postures. The practice of Hasya yoga doesn’t involve comedy or humor, but combines simple laughter exercises and gentle yoga breathing to enhance health and happiness. Laughter has been medically proven to relieve stress and strengthen the immune system. Haysa yoga incorporates the medical benefits and enhances traditional yoga practice by deepening the relaxation at the end of a session – and promoting a joyful, social bonding among participants. This is unprecedented in a traditional yoga setting.

Jeffrey Briar, the director of the Laughter Yoga Institute of Laguna Beach, is a leading disciple of Dr. Madan Kataria, a family physician and world-renowned proponent of Hasya yoga from Mumbai, India. With more than 33 years of experience as a traditional yoga instructor, and an accomplished comedian, Briar also founded the first Laughter Club in the world outside of India. Laughter yoga, created in 1995 with just 5 members, has grown into a worldwide movement, with more than 5,000 clubs in more than 24 different countries.

The Laguna Beach Laughter Club boasts more than 3,000 participants and meets, free of charge, 7 days a week for approximately 45 minutes. Club members have reported relief from such maladies as manic depression, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, allergies and chronic pain after practicing Hasya yoga.

Even celebrities have caught on to the laughing craze. Just take pop princess Jessica Simpson’s advice when it comes to laughter. “I laugh a lot,” Simpson says. “It burns lots of calories.”

For more information about the Laughter Club and the Laughter Yoga Institute of Laguna Beach, visit joyfulb.com.


Colleen Corkery is a regular contributor to OC Family Magazine.