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Laughter is a universal language we all know how to speak. It helps to connect people from different cultures and countries all across the globe, while also making us feel good about ourselves.
However, did you know that you may not be laughing as much as you should? There’s an interesting notion that the average 4 year old laughs hundreds of times a day while the average 40 year old laughs only four times a day.
That’s why the first Sunday of every May has been dedicated to World Laughter Day, an annual event celebrated worldwide to raise awareness about laughter’s many healing benefits for your inner self and the world around you.
Here at Arden 55+ active adult apartment communities, we embrace the value of connectivity through positivity which plays an important role in aging well and creating a happy, healthy lifestyle.
To welcome the month of May, we hope to share how laughter can boost your mood and even your overall wellness and well-being. Learn about what happens on World Laughter Day and discover how you can celebrate by sharing a laugh with others!
History of World Laughter Day
World Laughter Day was first created in 1998 by Dr. Madan Kataria, who hoped to use laughter as a positive manifestation for world peace and build up a global consciousness of friendship and compassion through laughter. This year’s World Laughter Day falls on Sunday May 7, 2023.
Although the first World Laughter Day was held in Mumbai, India, it is now celebrated in various large cities around the globe where hundreds of people gather to share some laughs together.
Through the network of free social Laughter Clubs, you are even able to join a worldwide community of people who want to share love, positivity, and laughter with others. Laughter Clubs usually have a variety entertainment program consisting of music, dance, and laughter contests in which winners are those with the most infectious, natural, and effortless laughter.
During World Laughter Day, Laughter Club members can also participate in a peace march while carrying banners and placards reading “World Peace Through Laughter; The Whole World Is An Extended Family; Join a Community Laughter Club – it’s free!”
If you’re interested in establishing your own local Laughter Club, check out this helpful video on how to get started.
The Many Health Benefits of Laughter
You’ve probably heard the old saying, “laughter is the best medicine.”
While everyone knows how laughing out loud can make you feel good, even psychologists and doctors say there is truth to this statement. Laughter can indeed relieve your stress, promote an overall sense of well-being, and provide an abundance of health benefits you may not even know of.
Take a look at the many wonderful things laughter can do for your body:
Boost Your Immune System
Laughter can activate your immune system’s T-cells, which are dedicated to help you fight off sickness.
Trigger the Release of Endorphins
Endorphins are the natural painkillers within your body that release when you laugh. Not only can laughter make you feel more positive, it can also ease chronic pain at the same time.
Improve Your Cardiac Health
Laughter is an exceptional cardio workout that will get your heart pumping and even burn some calories. It can also lower your blood pressure, thus reducing your risk of heart disease.
Work Your Abs
Your abdominal muscles begin expanding and contracting when you’re laughing – similar to how when you exercise those muscles intentionally. At the same time, the muscles that are not in use when you are laughing will get a chance to relax.
Reduce Stress Hormones
Last but not least, laughing can help you reduce the level of stress hormones in your body, which cuts the stress and anxiety that impacts your well-being.
How to Celebrate World Laughter Day
It’s fun and easy to participate in World Laughter Day because all you need to do is have a good laugh.
Share a joke with someone or laugh along to a lighthearted movie. Play a funny game that makes you smile, read a humorous book, or grab some tickets to a local comedy show.
You could even take this day as an opportunity to learn how to laugh at yourself and not take yourself too seriously. Being able to laugh at yourself allows you to be more vulnerable and authentic – both of which are healthy traits to have.
You can also share some funny jokes through social media using the hashtag #WorldLaughterDay. Check out some of these pictures that are sure to make you smile:
To add onto the World Laughter Day conversation this year, we encourage everyone to follow #WorldLaughterDay on social media and share your own favorite funny pictures!
Share a Laugh Today
When you feel good inside, it changes the perception of the outer world into a more positive one. No matter who you are, where you are from, or how old you are – laughter brings us all together.
More importantly, laughter is also the easiest and most cost-effective solution for healthy physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being.
If you’re interested in joining one of Arden 55+ Living’s communities for active adults, we would love to welcome you. Please fill out our contact form here for more information and our friendly team will reach out to you shortly!