First laughter, everything else to after: Add cheer your yoga routine
Celebrate World Laughter Day by embracing laughter natural remedy to yoga — a promote overall well-being
If you feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, and want a quick way to boost your mood, turn to laughter yoga. Founded by Dr Madan Kataria, who also started the Laughter Yoga movement, World Laughter Day is observed annually with the aim to create awareness about the importance of laughter and the benefits of staying happy. Considering that laughter is often said to be the best medicine, laughter yoga is a natural tool that can relieve stress and re-establish calm.
WHAT IS LAUGHTER YOGA?
Also known as hasya yoga, the term refers to practising voluntary laughter. Laughter yoga is based on the belief that voluntary and spontaneous laughter have the same kind of physiological and psychological advantages. Usually done in groups, across studious, parks and gardens, it involves lots of eye contact and lighthearted interaction among participants. This intentional laughter often turns real and contagious, making you feel relaxed and happy. There are no age restrictions for performing it, either. Here are a few benefits of laughter yoga, according to Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, an internationally acclaimed yogic master and
visionary.
MANAGING BLOOD PRESSURE
Practising laughter yoga is one way to improve your heart health. The American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine cites studies that found that laughter therapy had varying physiological effects on blood pressure (BP), life satisfaction, reduced anxiety and more. Hence, if you’re a BP patient, practice laughter yoga daily.
REDUCING STRESS
Laughter yoga could help lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine (adrenaline), in turn reducing discomfort, burning calories and stimulating organs. Its primary goal is to foster health and happiness.
IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH
According to Akshar, “Laughter yoga serves as a preventative step against mental health concerns including depression, stress and anxiety while also encouraging a sense of enjoyment and curiosity. It helps to release endorphins (happy hormones), build confidence, and promote an easy-going attitude.”
BOOSTING IMMUNE SYSTEM
The ability to fight off illness, bacteria and viruses is improved when you practice laughter yoga because it reduces stress hormones, boosts immune cells and infectionfighting antibodies.