They say laughter is the best medicine. I know this because when I laugh it feels good, and I have been told so. However, as I have gotten older, I’ve realised that laughter does not come freely to me. I will quietly chuckle or smile and laugh inwardly. I do find things amusing but I don’t really laugh, you know a real belly laugh. My family say that I have a selective sense of humour and I am inclined to agree with them. I rarely outwardly show that I have found something funny. I would like to laugh out loud freely.
A couple of years ago I heard about Laughing Yoga, which was started in India in 1995 by Dr. Madan Kataria. He realised that our bodies cannot distinguish between fake and real laughter. Therefore, our bodies benefit from fake or forced laughter. Laughing Yoga has spread across the world and is making an impact. Laughing Yoga is something I was eager to try out to improve my wellbeing whilst enjoying the effects of laughter.
In January, the opportunity to try out some Laughing Yoga presented itself. Whilst on a virtual catch up with my mum and sister we decided try some Laughing Yoga on Saturday mornings. Since then, we have been meeting every Saturday to take part in a session of Laughing Yoga. Has it made any difference? Yes, I really believe it has. I have been laughing out loudly much more than I have in the past. I now often laugh out loud when I read something funny or see something amusing on TV. So, in just 6 weeks pretending to laugh has helped to make me express my laughter. And it really has made a difference, I can feel laughter bubbling in my belly and in my chest.
When I came across Bob Phillips and Jonny Hawkins book Laughter Therapy, I thought it would be a great way to practice laughing and continuing my quest to laugh more. Laughter Therapy is a book of jokes. It’s attractive book cover enticed me to read this book. Some of the jokes are a bit cheesy and produce a groan instead of a laugh, but overall they made me chuckle. I spent an hour or two sharing the jokes with my family and they groaned at some and chuckled at others. It includes some old jokes and some up-to-date jokes about Covid, which are all in good taste. Here is one of my favourite jokes from the book:
‘Doctor, Doctor, you’ve got to help me. Some Mornings I wake up and think I’m Donald Duck. Other times I think I’m Mickey Mouse.
Laughter Therapy
Hmmm. How long have you been having these Disney spells?’
The book entertained us and helped to release some happy endorphins.
I would give this book 3 stars
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Jonny Hawkins (Author), Bob Phillips (Author)
June 8, 2021
Harvest House Publishers
Patient: “I always feel that I’m covered in gold paint, doctor.”
Psychiatrist: “Oh, that’s just your gilt complex.” They say laughter is one of the most effective forms of therapy. If so, who better to provide counsel than the comedic duo behind A Joke a Day Keeps the Doctor Away and Laughter Never Gets Old?
Bestselling author Bob Phillips reteams with cartoonist Jonny Hawkins for Laughter Therapy—a collection of hilarious jokes, clever cartoons, side-splitting one-liners, and funny anecdotes guaranteed to help you fight off the blues and blahs.
Whether you’re recovering from an illness, struggling with personal issues, dealing with a crisis, or just having a rough time, humor can be the pick-me-up you need to feel better. Brighten your day with a little Laughter Therapy!
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