Every one of us can benefit from more laughter! Some would even say that laughter is the best medicine! But aside from the cliché terms, medical and mental health professionals agree, that laughter can increase the quality and quantity of our lives. Imagine if we welcome our kids to start this healthful practice of embracing joy and laughter early? That’s why we’re hosting our first ever clown and comedy show for kids, (adults are welcome too) to increase the laughter and happiness of our community.

The Wellness Center has been promoting happiness for over 40 years, and longtime instructor Lynn Flint makes sure to keep her classes laughing as a part of their workout routine. As a laugh yoga instructor, Lynn knows just how important daily laughter is and the lasting impact it has on those around her. Lynn will be joining us at our clown and comedy show to offer laugh yoga, songs, and jokes to all our attendees. For those who may not be able to attend, you can practice laugh yoga at home, even right now. It may sound crazy but start with a 20-second smile – yes, just smile!  IGEA Brain and Spine Center in New York/New Jersey’s neurologist, Dr. Isha Gupta reiterates that smiles can release feel-good chemicals and hormones that help us feel better! “Dopamine increases our feelings of happiness. Serotonin release is associated with reduced stress. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression and aggression,” says Dr. Gupta. “Low levels of dopamine are also associated with depression.” Once you’ve practiced your smile, just laugh, even if it’s fake. If you think a smile can make you feel good, laughter makes us feel great!

In addition to Lynn Flint, we have the famous Clown Pipsqueak and her sidekick joining us from New York to lead a comedy and magic show for kids! It’s not all that often that we have events just for kids and full of this much spectacle! Pipsqueak is seasoned in how to get our kids to laugh and stay laughing along with her mystifying magic routine. Our research shows that laughter can help kids manage pain, deal with sleep issues or stress, and more! With Pipsqueak and her sidekick also doing balloon animals and face painting, we know the happiness will also travel home with you!

Aside from events like this, ways to add laughter into your life and to others around you are simple! Try telling jokes, watching funny videos and movies, singing silly songs, practicing smiling, laugh more, even if you have to fake it! Happiness and laughter are contagious, and so is negativity. The great news is you get to choose! The more you practice welcoming smiles, laughs and joy, the greater you will feel! So, think about coming to our event on August 6th at The Wellness Center. Find more details on our Facebook page or www.northcountryhospital.org/wellnesscenter/ Come clown around with us!

 

Mary Hoadley

Director of The Wellness Center