tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16443782734412254582024-02-08T12:04:48.076-08:00Laffing Out LoudLaffing Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985387966163260595noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644378273441225458.post-43512460639588643252013-09-01T18:03:00.001-07:002013-09-01T18:03:22.364-07:00
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<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was inspired to write this blog after
viewing Sydney Bell’s BodyRespect page this week (</span><a href="https://bodyrespect.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://bodyrespect.wordpress.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">). The focus on increasing
exercise/joyful movement caught my attention. I agree that if we can find some
type of exercise or movement that brings us joy, we can i</span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">mprove our health and increase confidence in our body. <span class="usercontent"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
have never been someone who has enjoyed exercising. I have not bought a gym
membership in years because I pretty much know that I will not follow through
with going to the gym. I would like to lose weight, but life happens. Excuses
come easily. Energy and motivation are nowhere to be found; especially after a
long day of work. For years I have prided myself at looking out for my mental
health and said I would worry about my physical health later. Almost seven
years ago, I heard about laughter clubs and realized that laughter is an
activity where I can improve both my mental health and my physical health. It
has become my “joyful movement” and a fun source of exercise. My self-esteem
has improved as my sense of fulfillment and accomplishment grows every time I
share therapeutic laughter with others.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laughter
clubs and therapeutic laughter programs provide participants with the
opportunity to interact with others in a healthy and non-judgemental
environment. Participants are encouraged to engage in healthy breathing, gentle
stretching, and therapeutic laughter exercises. Laughter exercises mimic things
we do and/or encounter in everyday life and we laugh because life can be ridiculous
and silly. Many of the exercises involve participants moving around if they are
physically able to do so. One exercise involves laughing as you start a lawn
mower and drive it around; another exercise has participants laughing as we waddle
like penguins. Other exercises can be performed while seated and participants
move whatever body parts they are comfortable moving and able to manage. Laughter
is universal; we can laugh with others whether we share the same language,
cultural context, or interests. Laughter clubs are supportive and good-natured,
with only the positive being allowed and you don’t even need a sense of humour
to benefit! Some of the groups I have shared therapeutic laughter with include people
with brain injury, homeless women, incarcerated men and women, seniors,
students, and corporate professionals. Research shows that there are many
benefits including improved pain tolerance, better cardiovascular function,
boosted immune function, elevated mood, exercise of the internal organs,
decreased stress, a better outlook on life, improved sense of humour, and better
morale. Laughter has been referred to as an “internal jogging of the organs”. Various
laughter exercises work out different muscles of our body.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
am a strong advocate of practicing self-care. I have found that laughter is one
of the best ways of reducing stress, alleviating physical pain, and taking my mind
off of my worries. It also gets me out and exercising in a joyful manner. I
have had participants join laughter club for numerous reasons; an opportunity
and place to add more laughter to their life; strategies to manage depression,
anxiety, or other mood disorders; wanting to add more fun to their routine; getting
some exercise; and meeting new friends.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span class="mainblack12italic1"><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the last few years, Certified Laughter
Leaders at the Advanced Workshop have been focusing some of our attention on “movement”;
engaging in music, movement and laughter therapy. This to me equals moving
around with joy! This year I am presenting on laughter therapy and brain
injury. I regularly share laughter with brain injury rehabilitation clients and
their joy of participating shows on their faces and in their enthusiasm!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Helen</span>Laffing Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985387966163260595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644378273441225458.post-79253566848662459642011-01-23T15:05:00.000-08:002011-01-23T15:14:35.118-08:00HelloI am Helen.<br />
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I love to laugh. Long and loud and clear. Ha, ha, ha. Having flashbacks from the Mary Poppins clip of Dick Van Dyke and Uncle Albert sitting at the table and drifting up to the ceiling as they are laughing. The children float up there as well when they laugh hysterically. Love it. Too bad Mary Poppins works to kill their mood in order to get them down! <br />
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I try not to let anyone kill my mood. I got a cool t-shirt a few years ago from the Secret Society of Happy People that reads, "Don't even think of raining on my parade!" Love it.Laffing Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01985387966163260595noreply@blogger.com1