Tové’s R.E.L.A.X. Technique: How Giggles, Chuckles, and Belly Laughs: Are Your Prescription for a Happier Life!
Hey fabulous you! Welcome to another wee blog, where I’m on a mission to sprinkle joy and laughter into your life like confetti at a party! I'm Tové Kane, your Laughter Yoga Master Trainer and Ambassador of Happiness, and today I've got a special treat for you. Get ready to embark on a laughter-filled journey with my trusty five-step R.E.L.A.X. technique.
Now, I know life can be a bit of a rollercoaster – sometimes you're at the top enjoying the view, and other times you're screaming your lungs out. I’m doing that before I’ve even lifted my head off the pillow sometimes. That's why it's essential to have tools in your happiness toolbox, and today, we're having a quick look at the magical world of laughter. It is like magic since it seems to make stress disappear. Only, it’s better than magic because it’s not an illusion or a trick, it actually does help us to let go of stress.
Here’s what I want to say right at the start. You don’t have to be happy to laugh. You feel that, right? Most of the time we aren’t happy and so we aren’t laughing. As a result, we miss out on the scientifically proven benefits of laughter.
Laughter Yoga has numerous physical and mental health benefits, including stress reduction, improved mood, enhanced immune function, and increased cardiovascular health. It also promotes a sense of community and connection. We can create laughter out of nothing. The body knows how and it gives the mind a bit of a break from all the scary stuff that fills us with anxiety. So here it is a five-step method to help you R.E.L.A.X. through laughter.
Step 1: R – Review how often you laugh every day.
Let's face it – life can be tough, but so are we! Take a moment to reflect on how often you allow yourself to giggle, chuckle, or have a good old belly laugh. If your laughter tank is running low, it's time to hit the reset button, fill ‘er up, and bring more joy into your daily routine.
Step 2: E – Evoke belly-shaking laughter.
They say laughter is the best medicine, and I couldn't agree more. It's time to tap into your inner comedian and evoke those belly-shaking laughs. Watch a hilarious sitcom, listen to a comedy podcast, or recall the last time you snorted with laughter – let those good vibes flow! That’s what we usually do and sure that’s grand. Here’s another suggestion. Inhale, hold, hold, hold and laugh it out ha ha ha ha ha! Try it. Pretend to laugh. Smile first, then breathe, then laugh. That’s the start of Laughter Yoga and you can get your belly laughing at nothing at all. You don’t need jokes. I’m a fan of jokes so defo enjoy them like I said. The good news is, if the jokes aren’t landing, and you’re going through some hectic stuff right now, just let the body start laughing. Initiated laughter soon becomes contagious laughter. You can even start with a cynical tone, “Haaaaa haaaa haaaa.” Say it like you really don’t mean it. Like it’s not funny. Keep saying it. Go faster and faster and it just might start some real laughter.
Step 3: L – Laugh away stress.
Stress is like a clingy ex – it's time to break up and let laughter be your new flame. Whether it's work pressure, family drama, or just life throwing lemons at you, choose to laugh it off. Laughter is a superhero cape that shields you from stress – wear it proudly!
Step 4: A – Act playfully.
Life's too short to be serious all the time. Embrace your inner child and act playfully. Dance like nobody's watching, sing in the shower, or challenge your friends to a game of charades. Inject playfulness into your routine, and watch how it transforms your mood.
Step 5: X – eXperience the present with laughter.
The magic happens in the now. Don't let worries about the past or future steal your joy. I did that for years—decades. It’s not worth it. Engage in the present moment with laughter as your co-pilot. Whether it's savouring a delicious meal, enjoying a scenic walk, or simply basking in the warmth of the sun (not too common in Ireland but hey) – let laughter be your companion.
And there you have it, my fabulous friend – the R.E.L.A.X. technique! I've personally danced with the shadows of clinical depression, and let me tell you, laughter has been my light at the end of the tunnel. It's not about denying our struggles but finding joy in spite of them. Remember, it's something we live with, not suffer from.
So, as you go about your week, sprinkle laughter like confetti, and let's create a world where joy is our anthem. Tune in next Monday on Ros FM: 2 - 3p.m., I'll spin some happy tunes, do a deep relaxation and dive even deeper into the world of laughter – because together, we're unstoppable in our willingness to connect to happiness, especially when we’re not happy!
Until then, keep laughing, stay fabulous, and never forget that you are the leading star in your life, so keep twinkling and laughing ha ha ha ha!
Sending laughter and good vibes your way.
Big love,
Tové
P.S. Did you know that you can have me as your very own personal laughter coach? Some people have life coaches. Some people have fitness coaches who help them build fitness at the gym. My clients love having me as their personal laughter coach. They turn to me for laughter when times are tough. I am running a special at the moment: it’s an 8 week laughter course. This is the kind of course that changes things up from the beery first session. You will have so much support from me as it is my mission to help you reconnect to unconditional joy so you can live a happier, healthier life. There are videos, PDF’s, audio downloads and live Q & A’s. You’ll learn tools like the R.E.L.A.X. Technique plus several other wellbeing practices that can help you overcome stress, anxiety, overwhelm, and even mild depression. I’ll show you how to make daily habits to add to your health and happiness. If this resonates with you, and you’d like to watch a video where I share a little more, click here.