Laughter, that is. It simply is contagious, and one of my favorite things to at the barre during a workout 🙂
So we’d like to share a bit more on the power of what you’re experiencing and sharing when you laugh.
Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. Laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. – www.helpguide.org
Many of us might be familiar with the quote from the book of Proverbs 17:22 that says “A merry (or joyful) heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones” especially as we discover more on how literal this is.
And as much as we appreciate the truth about it, what many struggle with is how to get that merry heart. I mean who doesn’t want a merry, healthy heart, and strong body?
At Passion Barre and Karingah! we sometimes talk about laughing at all costs, even when you don’t feel like it. During a Barre workout class, for instance, we might say, in the middle of a burn, “smile, instead of grimacing… it’ll send stronger signals that something good is happening to your body, haha!”
And in a Karingah! class, during all the shaking and sweating, we call it the Shake and Laughter theory: Laughing naturally causes your body to shake; and shaking on purpose causes the silliness to make you laugh – especially with a bunch of people. So you can perk up your day or moment by laughing on purpose.
But seriously, what happens when you’re really feeling down or neutral? The presence of those feelings could make it really hard to make that switch. The good thing to remember is that switches (changing your state) are very possible, but first with a value statement and focus. How important is it for you to feel better, be healthier, flourish in your gifts, or be the leader in the room that can bring a life-giving change to others around you? Also remind yourself that feelings are followers. They follow the strongest influence at the time. Influence is created by thoughts, decisions and actions. Are you willing to lead, change your mind and take action by doing something as simple as focusing on a new thought and smiling?
Another quotation on laughter infrequently used in this present context is found in the book of Ecclesiastes 3:4 “[There is] A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…”
All things being equal, this line is quite self-explanatory… except for those times when it seems like weeping and mourning could go on and on; or some situations present no hope. So you can decide that although it doesn’t seem like it, it a time to laugh instead. You can start with a smile 🙂
Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use. – www.helpguide.org
Do visit this page here for a list of benefits to your health when you laugh, and also a list of things to do, to trigger laughter.
And in the spirit of “sharing” and “like buttons,” go ahead and share good health, and laugh! it’s contagious.
P.S. If it’s been too long or you haven’t had a chance to try our Passion
Barre class yet, we’d love to host you in class. The sweet after burn has been spreading like a wildfire since we brought the barre to Rancho Cucamonga!
Click here to reserve your trial class, still complimentary this month.
In Southern California, we serve Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Fontana, Ontario, Claremont, Montclair, Corona, Eastvale, Mira Loma, Riverside, Pomona and other surrounding cities. See you at the Barre 🙂
