The power of having a jolly good laugh should never be underestimated.
A decent joke or witty line from a friend, or simply a funny situation can, in some cases, have us rolling on the floor with tears running down our face, until eventually our stomach begins to ache.
A really heartfelt belly laugh does our mind and body wonders - for a start, it releases endorphins into our bloodstream, which give us a feeling of euphoria. Laughter also has a similar effect on our body as an aerobics session, and even boosts our immune system too.
Now this might sound like a daft idea at first, but even laughing when there's
nothing funny and
nothing to laugh at still benefits our mind and body. The effects are the same as our reaction to a good joke - endorphins are released; our body experiences something like an aerobics session and our immune system gets a boost. And that's not even the half of it.
There are
a number of laughing clubs in the capital where you can go along and and have a cheery chortle, even though there may be nothing to laugh at.
Everyone feels a bit silly going along the first time, but once you see everyone else enjoying themselves, you'll soon feel compelled to join in. You might even find it rather funny.
One such club - the Hampstead Heath Laughter Yoga Club - meets on the first Sunday of every month, all through the year. The meeting point is next to Parliament Hill bandstand (by Parliament Hill cafe) on Hampstead Heath.
The chuckling begins at 11am and everyone is welcome. "Please join us laughing for ourselves and world peace in this beautiful spot," the group's organisers say.
There's no need to book; just go along and start tittering. Take a yoga mat or blanket if you prefer to split your sides in a sitting position. It's free to join, though a donation to charity is gratefully accepted.
If you'd like to get some more information about the gathering, call Mary on 0207 609 6145 or text 07969 408 661 or email mary.adshead@laughternetwork.co.uk
Go on, give it a try. You'll love it. Seriously.
