How to tackle stress at workplace

'The human race has only one really effective weapon and that is laughter'
- Mark Twain

You might have noticed a group of people gathered in a park and they're laughing uncontrollably. At first, you will chuckle. Then you will wonder, 'what is up with these people?' These are your members of a 'Laughter Club'. A concept developed by Madan Kataria in 1995. Caught like an uncontrollable fire, there's over 8000 clubs in 65 countries! Here's the iHealthU Guideline on how you can start one!

What is Laughter Yoga?
Laughter Yoga or Hasya yoga is a concept where people meet at and indulge into forced laughter which soon turns into genuine laughter. It has no humor or comedy associated with it. For the best part, it's absolutely free, convenient and economical! If you can enjoy a good laugh, you can be a practise Hasya Yoga

What does Laughter Yoga do for you?
Laughter is indeed the best medicine. More contagious than a yawn, more powerful than any antidote. Think about it, the best memories of you have you laughing and enjoying the moment. Scientifically too, a good laugh helps to bring your mind and body back in balance. 

Laughter can relieve stress and relax your whole body and muscles for up to 45 minutes

It decreases stress hormones and increases body's defense mechanism against infection

It improves function of blood vessels and increases blood flow protecting you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems

It releases endorphins or 'feel good hormones' which temporarily relieve pain and give an overall sense of well being

Apart from these, it has social benefits of creating a positive bond between people. It enhances teamwork, strengthens relationships and increases happiness and intimacy.

How do you start your own Laughter Club?

Gather a few friends and decide to meet at a park at a specific time. It is best to be done early morning to keep you active and happy throughout the day. 

EXERCISES:

Namaste laughter: do Namaste with each other and laugh loudly.
Wide arm laughter: raise both your hands up in the air and laugh.
Handshake laughter: shake hands with people and laugh.
Introduction laughter: make a circle, everyone say their name aloud and laugh.
Kiss laughter: kiss in the air 3-4 times and laugh.
Cell Phone Laughter: Hold an imaginary cell phone to your ear and laugh.
Back Pain Laughter: Lean forward and put your hand on your lower back, then laugh as if you could not stand back up.
Baby Laughter: One person must demonstrate how a baby laughs (take turns!). Everybody else must then do the same things.
No Money Laughter: Laugh as turn your pockets inside out looking for money that isn't there.
Clap laughter: clap 3 times and laugh aloud. Repeat.

With so much power to heal and renew, laughing definitely should be at the top in your exercise list. Easy to perform anywhere, any time with maximum benefits makes it the preferred one amongst young and old. Laugh! Life is too short to waste it in grumpiness, anyway.