Getting High on Laughter by Lynn Shaw, Laughter Therapist

Laughter for the Healing HeartLaughter for the Healing Heart
A laughter therapy course by Lynn Shaw, author and laugh therapist. If you are experiencing a health or emotional low, laughter exercises can be an adjunct to a healthy outlook. Discover how laughter can help reduce symptoms of allergies, abdominal pain and digestive problems — to name a few. And help you manage anger and fear. For those dealing with physical or emotional distress, finding laughter in daily life can profoundly enhance healing and the quality of life! [Learn more]

Looking for ways to elevate your mood, shift your thoughts, or just feel a sense of hope on a daily basis? Laughing and joining in humor continue to elicit the positive emotions and hopeful outlook that many are seeking today.

The Positive Effects of Laughter
According to psychologist, David H. Rosen, from Texas A & M, as high as 94% of people deem lightheartedness as a necessary factor in dealing with difficulties associated with stressful life events. Dr. Rosen and other colleagues conducted a study involving 200 people ranging in age from 18—42. The study appeared in the International Journal of Humor Research and revealed that viewing a 15 minutes comedy video increased the participants’ scores for hopefulness. Dr. Rosen further explained that the hopefulness was in alignment with creating positive thoughts as a tool for managing difficulties.

Mary Poppins, the popular 1964 Disney movie featuring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, has a classic scene with the song, “I Love to Laugh.” By thinking positive thoughts and laughing, the characters rise to the ceiling and engage in hearty laughter.  So long as one is laughing, you can stay near the ceiling.  As soon as sad thoughts come and the laughing stops, you float back to the floor.

Isn’t it interesting that laughter research findings and musicals can identify a similar outcome?  Being lighthearted and generating those positive thoughts can be tools for elevating one’s mood and maybe experience that euphoric lift like Mary Poppins.

High on laughter?  What a hopeful idea.

Lynn Shaw is the creator and author of the online laughter course Laughter for the Healing Heart. She invites you to discover the healing effects of laughter starting today.

Copyright © 2009 by Lynn Shaw. All rights reserved.