It’s National Let’s Laugh Day!
In DBT we have an Emotion Regulation skill called Half-Smile. Research suggests that the simple act of moving your facial muscles can trick your mind into happiness and generate positive emotions. So what do we know about laughter and its impact on our mental and physical health?
The sheer act of laughter decreases stress hormones, increases immune cells, and improves our resistance to disease. It also triggers the release of endorphins that are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, alters levels of serotonin and dopamine, and promotes an overall state of well-being.
Seek out intentional ways to bring laughter into your life – we would love to hear your ideas.
Watch a movie or TV series, book tickets to a comedy club, watch a YouTube of puppies, kittens, babies playing like those infamous America’s Funniest Home videos, learn how to juggle or join a Laughter Yoga International group.
Written by Dr. Michele Lob PsyD., MFT, CEDS
Photo Credit: Photo by Larry Crayton on Unsplash
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