by enda Junkins
Laugh More
whY FeelINg TICkled IS gOOd FOR US
Be aware. when the corners of our mouth turn up
involuntarily and we must swallow unsolicited giggles,
we may be giving way to laughter addiction.
T
he high that we gain when we pleasant and effective way. Contrary to We need to feel good. We need to feel
laugh until we hold our sides, roll common perceptions, in my 20 years connected. We need to feel safe. We
about on the floor and feel the as a laughter therapist I have found that need to laugh more.
tears streaming down our cheeks is ad- laughter is born of tension, stress and Anyone can join the laughter
dicting. So, what protects us from such pain, so most people need not worry movement. All it takes is a willingness
loosey-goosey, nonsensical fun? Only about being able to laugh. Stress has to risk some loss of control. The timid
our own serious, controlled approach been called the number one health may start with a few shy giggles. The
to life, from sex to the family vacation. problem today; we’ve all got it. courageous may jump in with deep
Human beings are not born seri- Laughter therapy is about learning belly laughs. A sense of humor is not
ous. We begin life fully equipped with to laugh freely again at the many things required. There’s more than enough
an innate playfulness and the ability to we deal with that aren’t otherwise fun- stress to go around, and absurdity
laugh freely. Sadly, most of us curb our ny. Children will play with almost any- abounds in our daily lives. All we have
playfulness and laughter as a sacrifice thing except direct pain. Adults were to do is believe, let go and clap our
to the serious business of adulthood. In intended to do the same. When we can hands, and laughter will live again.
order to keep laughing, we need to be play with our pain, we laugh. When So will we. When we laugh, we feel
in a partial state of playfulness, either we laugh, we shift our perspective and deeply, which allows us to live fully.
consciously or unconsciously. Laughter problems shrink to a manageable size. We can encourage everyday laugh-
therapy is one way to help us ease our We don’t diminish their importance, ter at home by being playful with our
adult seriousness and retrieve that lost but we feel less overwhelmed. families. Wear a clown nose when put-
sensation of play. ting children to bed. Break up chores by
Laughter is not only fun; it is also
LAUGH TO:
indulging in a pillow fight. Ease conflict
good for us. At last, something good for
us that is also enjoyable. There is no
Relieve stress
by saying something light and unexpect-
ed. Let hand puppets help with family
need for yucky-tasting diet concoctions,
Resolve conflict
communication or say it with a humor-
profuse sweating in concentrated exer-
Enhance communications
ous hat. Life at home doesn’t have to be
cise or tough changes for this particular Enrich relationships serious; it’s far too important for that.
pursuit of health. All that’s required
Have fun
We can slip laughter into the
is pure, unrestrained, old-fashioned workplace with a few lighthearted
laughter. windup toys. Play with frustrations by
Laughter heals the body and eases Laughter is warm, bonding and writing them on shoe soles and walking
painful emotions like anger and fear. It contagious. It connects with those we on them. Wear a temporary tattoo that
helps us cope with daily survival in a love and with our fellow human beings. expresses our mood for the day. No
Collier/Lee Counties
swfl.naturalawakeningsmag.com
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