Happy World Laughter Day: Laughter really is the best medicine

When is the last time you laughed? Not just a little snicker or a weak giggle, but a real, honest-to-goodness laugh-out-loud laugh? Has it been a while? Let’s be honest – many of us are over-worked, underpaid and just plain stressed out. It’s important to take a moment out of our busy days to stop and smell the roses. The first Sunday in May is World Laughter Day (WLD)!

Not to be confused with Let’s Laugh Day, International Moment of Laughter Day or Laugh and Get Rich Day, this laughable holiday was created in 1998 by the founder of the Laughter Yoga movement,Dr. Madan Kataria. 12,000 people participated in the very first WLD in India, and the event continues to grow. Laughter yoga is now practiced in more than 70 countries.

WLD is “intended to build up a global consciousness of health, happiness and world peace through laughter. If people all over the world are happy and healthy they will contribute to world peace.” According to Dr. Kataria, “When you laugh, you change and when you change, the whole world changes around you.”

The Benefits of Laughter

Let’s face it - between the career, the kids, activities and the house, most of us lead very hectic and busy lives. But despite all the advances in technology and medicine, stress continues to be a contributing factor in many illnesses.

Laughter, on the other hand, not only makes us feel good, many believe laughter is actually good for us, too. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases antibodies, boosting our immunity to all sorts of illness and diseases. Plus, you don’t have to pop a pill and it doesn’t cost a thing!

Whoever said “Laughter is the best medicine,” was probably right!