August 30, 2023
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GenCare Lifestyle is excited to introduce Laughing Yoga to our programming!
Laughter has been found to have incredible benefits for our health, both physically and mentally. Whether it's genuine or fake, laughing triggers the release of hormones that can strengthen the immune system, uplift moods, alleviate pain, and protect against the damaging effects of stress. Allow us to delve deeper into how laughing can give you a delightful D.O.S.E. of happy hormones!
D – Dopamine:
Laughing stimulates the production of dopamine, a hormone that brings about a delightful sense of pleasure. This chemical motivates us to continue laughing and brightens our spirits. In fact, dopamine is often associated with feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction. The mere act of smiling and laughing can instantly boost dopamine levels in your body, sometimes even leading to a euphoric state!
O – Oxytocin:
Stress can wreak havoc on our bodies, triggering the production of cortisol. Excessive cortisol production can have detrimental effects on our well-being. The beauty of laughing lies in its ability to replace cortisol with oxytocin, a hormone that promotes social connection. At GenCare Lifestyle, we prioritize social interaction in our programming. Our Laughing Yoga sessions, for instance, allow participants to connect with others through laughter, thereby boosting oxytocin levels. This hormone facilitates a desire to socialize and form meaningful relationships.
S – Serotonin:
Depression is often treated with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which help increase serotonin levels in the brain. Interestingly, laughing, even if it's forced, also stimulates the production of serotonin. This powerful hormone has the ability to enhance moods, albeit temporarily. By incorporating laughter into your daily routine, you can give your serotonin levels a much-needed boost.
E – Endorphins:
Endorphins are renowned for their ability to heighten our sense of pleasure and temporarily alleviate pain and inflammation. Laughing amplifies the production of endorphins, leaving us feeling fantastic. Every bout of laughter is like a mini workout for our abdominal muscles, increasing blood flow to the heart and improving oxygen intake. These physical changes contribute to a sense of relaxation and leave our muscles feeling rejuvenated.
Apart from the blissful D.O.S.E. of happy hormones, laughing also entails physical movement. When we laugh, our abdominal muscles are engaged, blood flow to the heart is increased, and our intake of oxygen is enhanced. These physical changes have a positive impact on our overall well-being, leaving our muscles relaxed. Furthermore, Laughing Yoga involves breath work, which strengthens and enhances the flexibility of our respiratory muscles. Meditation is also incorporated into our sessions, bringing about a state of relaxation and improved mental clarity.
Our Corporate Director of Vitality certainly proved how fun laughing yoga was at our ops meeting in June and with residents and staff at GenCare Lifestyle Federal Way!
Laughter is like a universal language that transcends cultural barriers. Regardless of where we come from, we can all connect, smile, and share a laugh. So, the next time you encounter an opportunity to participate in a lighthearted class that revolves around laughter, seize it! Embrace the potential health benefits and relish the euphoric feeling that comes with it.
To learn more about our Laughing Yoga class, or how you can join the GenCare Lifestyle, call, drop by, or schedule a tour today!
