Spring Break
Laughing Club giggles to relieve stress
BETSY LYNCH For The Red & Black
Issue date: 11/30/07 Section: Variety
- Page 1 of 1
With the end of every semester comes finals week, and the days leading up can be a stressful time in a student's life.
Many people are aware of conventional ways to deal with stress, such as doing yoga, getting a sufficient amount of sleep, exercising regularly and eating healthy foods.
But there are many different approaches to stress students can use to combat the pressure.
Laughter is one of them.
"Laughter is an amazing way to feel better and lower blood pressure," said Gloria Varley, the "stress guru" at the University Health Center.
"Having a deep, rich belly laugh with friends will do wonders," she said.
"I always tell students to figure out what really makes them laugh - everyone laughs at different things - and make it happen. Go for at least one belly laugh a day if you can."
In fact, Laughter Yoga is making its way into the lives of people across the nation who are trying to alleviate stress, according to the NPR article "Laughter Yoga: Relaxing, If a Bit Kooky."
Laughter Yoga takes place in a traditional yoga room. One or two individuals begin the laughter - soon everyone is expected to join in.
The NPR article also stated this type of therapy was introduced in India about 15 years ago.
The growing phenomenon is spreading rapidly, and it is estimated more than 5,000 laughing clubs exist in the world today.
The local Hatha yoga center Rubber Soul Yoga Revolution is offering its own version of laughter therapy.
Cal Clements started the Laughing Club in Athens about two years ago.
Clements said he got his inspiration from a friend who laughed all of the time.
"Laughter releases stress and growth hormones, effects endorphins and releases toxins," he said.
"It is also a workout for your diaphragm."
Clements said individuals have told him the Laughing Club has changed their lives and made them more social.
Jason Foster, a member of the club, referred to the contagious laughter as a "disease."
"The vibration inside the mind is awesome," Foster said.
At the end of the 30-minute laugh, there is a 10-minute meditation state.
At this time, "the mind is at an expansive state," Clements said, meaning all of one's thoughts are then released.
Whether a chuckle or a giggle, a hearty outburst or a knee-slappin' doubleover, laughing is the new trend in a healthy lifestyle.
Many people are aware of conventional ways to deal with stress, such as doing yoga, getting a sufficient amount of sleep, exercising regularly and eating healthy foods.
But there are many different approaches to stress students can use to combat the pressure.
Laughter is one of them.
"Laughter is an amazing way to feel better and lower blood pressure," said Gloria Varley, the "stress guru" at the University Health Center.
"Having a deep, rich belly laugh with friends will do wonders," she said.
"I always tell students to figure out what really makes them laugh - everyone laughs at different things - and make it happen. Go for at least one belly laugh a day if you can."
In fact, Laughter Yoga is making its way into the lives of people across the nation who are trying to alleviate stress, according to the NPR article "Laughter Yoga: Relaxing, If a Bit Kooky."
Laughter Yoga takes place in a traditional yoga room. One or two individuals begin the laughter - soon everyone is expected to join in.
The NPR article also stated this type of therapy was introduced in India about 15 years ago.
The growing phenomenon is spreading rapidly, and it is estimated more than 5,000 laughing clubs exist in the world today.
The local Hatha yoga center Rubber Soul Yoga Revolution is offering its own version of laughter therapy.
Cal Clements started the Laughing Club in Athens about two years ago.
Clements said he got his inspiration from a friend who laughed all of the time.
"Laughter releases stress and growth hormones, effects endorphins and releases toxins," he said.
"It is also a workout for your diaphragm."
Clements said individuals have told him the Laughing Club has changed their lives and made them more social.
Jason Foster, a member of the club, referred to the contagious laughter as a "disease."
"The vibration inside the mind is awesome," Foster said.
At the end of the 30-minute laugh, there is a 10-minute meditation state.
At this time, "the mind is at an expansive state," Clements said, meaning all of one's thoughts are then released.
Whether a chuckle or a giggle, a hearty outburst or a knee-slappin' doubleover, laughing is the new trend in a healthy lifestyle.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Tiffany
posted 11/30/07 @ 9:39 AM EST
I just wanted to say thanks to Betsy for writing this article. I'm a member of the Laughing Club at Rubber Soul and I am glad that the word is getting out in hopes that other students will come to the class and check it out. (Continued…)
Steve Wilson
posted 12/04/07 @ 12:28 PM EST
There has never been a better time to take advantage of the therapeutic benefits of laughter. Laughter and humor are natural antagonists to stress, and they are alernatives to violence. (Continued…)
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