reasons to laugh | Background

Dr. Madan Kataria, a medical doctor from Mumbai, India, is the “laughter guru.” The website, www.laughteryoga.org., notes that Dr. Kataria founded the laughter movement in 1995. He was researching laughter and found studies that showed physiological and psychological benefits. He developed Laughter Yoga that combines breathing, stretching and laughter.

Here are 10 reasons to laugh loud, laugh long and laugh often for the benefit to your body and mind:

Laughter is fun and makes you feel good.

Laughter promotes relaxation.

Laughter helps control blood pressure.

Laughter increases circulation.

Laughter helps detoxify the body.

Laughter reduces anxiety and depression.

Laughter is stress-buster.

Laughter exercises the abdominal muscles.

Laughter increases lung capacity and oxygen intake.

Laughter boosts the immune system.