That’s a good question, and one I hear a lot.

What can I do when I don’t feel like laughing?

I often hear this one too: When it’s not funny, why should I laugh?

Two frequently asked questions, both referring to the wacky idea of intentional laughter, but a little different!

Let’s go with the second one first.

When it’s not funny (and this happens vrrrrrrrrrreally often), why would I laugh?

Intuitively, I think you can guess my answer. Because it’s GOOD FOR US! First of all, it’s good for your physical health (it’s reassuring to start with your physical health, hahaha!) because, when you laugh, most of your body’s systems spring into action. I’m talking, of course, about the digestive system, the respiratory system, the cardiac system, the parasympathetic system and the lymphatic system, to name but a few.

1. The activated diaphragm will massage your internal organs AND circulate lymph faster throughout your body. Better digestion and fewer toxins in the body.
2. Your breathing will quickly change as, by laughing, we expel the “polluted” air that remains in our lungs on a daily basis because our breathing is usually short and shallow. Not only does this “loaded” air leave our body, but by breathing deeply, we bring new oxygen to the body and brain. Researchers also found that laughers had more mucous membrane and antibodies in their airways. And you know what antibodies do! Better oxygenation and immune system boost.
3. Our heart beats faster. The interior of the arteries dilates and their walls soften. Regulates blood flow.
4. By breathing deeply, our nervous system calms down.
5. And after laughter, the parasympathetic system kicks in. It slows the heart rate and reduces blood pressure. It stimulates the digestive tract to digest food and eliminate waste. Endorphins have a field day in our bodies!
6. Endorphins also mean natural painkillers and anti-depressants! Free of charge!

Which means we’re both calmer and more energetic! And above all, healthier.

If only for the physical reasons, I still laugh intentionally. I don’t know about you, but for me, I definitely know that even if nothing is funny, it’s very good for me to laugh. Whether it’s very funny or not so much.

So let’s get to the first question.

What can I do when I don’t feel like laughing?

For a while now, I’ve noticed that it’s precisely when I don’t feel like laughing that I need it most!

When I’m very concerned about something that affects someone I love. If I’ve put too many things on my agenda and don’t have enough time to do them all. When parts of my body manifest themselves with pain that zaps my energy a little. Whenever I’m impatient with events beyond my control. In short, you probably recognize yourself in all this too!

That’s when we need it most!

If you observe your body’s reactions at these moments, you’ll notice this:

• Short, jerky breathing
• Sudden movements
• Low concentration
• Skin-deep emotions
• Slow, heavy energy
• Tight jaws
• Loss of appetite (or unwanted cravings!)
• Insomnia
• ZERO patience

Some people mention eczema, diarrhea and memory loss! Right, then. You get the picture? We’re not at our best at these times!

How about a workout?

Yes! Why shouldn’t we train? To laugh in those neutral or tormented moments. When we NEED to but don’t WANT to.

Training for laughter.

I can hear you thinking… “This is ridiculous!”

Let me remind you that you’ve been training your whole life! Doing all sorts of things! Brushing your teeth after meals, cleaning your ears, chewing before swallowing, talking, walking, choosing your clothes… The list goes on! You hadn’t thought of it that way, had you? HAHAHA! And yet you have.

So let’s add a new workout to your life and you’ll see that after a while, it will almost come on its own!

How to start laughing.

1. Take a deep breath and smile. (Smiling is important here)
2. On expiry, say aloud HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.
3. Do it one more time, but this time say two HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.
4. And a third time, laughing softly. Just a little giggle if need be, but something sonorous.
5. Keep laughing and hold on for AT LEAST ONE MINUTE. Then a second minute. And another.
6. Try 3 minutes at first. As the days (or trials) go by, add seconds or minutes. Until you’re laughing for 5 minutes.
7. Need a little help? Watch videos and do the exercises with me on the Laughter Yoga School YouTube channel.

You’ll see that with a little patience and perseverance, you’ll get there too.

It’s not for nothing that I adopted William James’ phrase, I’ve seen it for myself!

“We don’t laugh because we’re happy. We are happy because we laugh.”

SO SO SO TRUE!

The more we intentionally laugh on a daily basis, the easier it becomes… and the more natural it is to laugh more often! If not to SMILE more often.

You just have to keep at it and keep at it. Keep at it! Even if you find it ridiculous, difficult or too “left-field” when you start.

Remember, you didn’t know how to use a toothbrush when you started training! HAHAHAHA!

Set yourself a goal. The ultimate goal is to be able to enjoy all the benefits of laughter NO MATTER WHAT IS HAPPENING in our lives!

My example of the teeth is perfect because, even if you’ve just come back from the dentist and had a procedure somewhere on one tooth, you’re still going to want to brush the other teeth in your mouth, aren’t you?

Same “fight”! HAHAHAHA!

Are you trying it out? Let me know after a few days.

I’m interested! HAHAHA!

Laughter, joy and health

Linda