Hump Day Hype Up - July 16, 2024
Knock knock…
Who’s there?
Frank.
Frank who?
Frank you for reading today’s blog!
I’m honestly already a bit embarrassed with that one… but did it put a smile on your face? A little tiny smirk at least?
You know at JELC we’re not playing small. We don’t settled for just smirking here.
We want full blown laughter. Cackling from the top of your lungs. I want you to truly absolutely laugh your heart out!
That’s our goal for today. That is how we’re hyping ourselves up this Hump Day Hype Up!
Today, we’re doing laughing yoga.
Hype yourself up with a 5 minute laughing yoga session to enjoy all the incredible benefits that get released into your body during laughter.
Oops - you went from smirking to scoffing just now didn’t you?
“Laughting yoga!” *scoff* “No way I’m doing that!”
Well, lucky I’m asking you to do it in the privacy of your own home where no one will know. You don’t have to tell anyone at all that you did it. I do think it’ll be worth trying though. Genuinely, the more ridiculous the better. The more you laugh the better you’ll feel. Do it with me. It’ll be our little secret. Acting like fabulous silly billy’s in our own homes.
Hump Day Hype Up isn’t about looking cool.
It’s not about being seen by others doing something impressive.
It’s about energising yourself. Giving your body some happy hormones and a refreshed energy to continue the week.
It’s your mid-week hype up, your motivation to continue the week with a positive attitude.
Coincidentally, this is what laughing yoga is all about too.
Releasing the feel-good hormones that are hard-wired to fire when you laugh. It’s neuroscience and it’s absolutely beautiful.
I first trialled laughing yoga about 8 years ago in Sydney for a radio show that I was working on. We went down to Bondi Beach and participated in a group laughing yoga session. To say I thought it was ridiculous going into the session was a complete understatement. I thought we were going to look so stupid, and everyone would look at us and laugh and say we’re fools and every other negative thought that may be running through your head now.
To this I want to tell you…
It was fabulous, it was hilarious, people did laugh, and everyone had an amazing time
Everyone who attended left with a huge smile on their face, including me, and felt a huge sense of optimism and happiness
The people who walked past and were laughing at us also received the benefits of the happy hormones, so good for them
The ones who were sniggering at us (which didn’t actually happen, but if it did this is what I would have done), I conceded that they had their own issues. If they felt the need to judge someone else for choosing to laugh, well that’s is a terrible quality to have. Get better things to worry about people.
To take this point another step even further, you’re not being asked to do this in public, other people will not see you and this exercise is only going for 5 minutes, not a full 60 minutes as my initial session went for.
It will feel ridiculous.
You will laugh at yourself.
And then you’ll forget why you’re laughing at yourself, and start laughing at the idea of laughing, and then you’ll realise that this is exactly how it’s all supposed to work and you’re doing it exactly right.
Give yourself the giggles.
Start the laughing process and continue through for 5 full minutes.
Below are just a few benefits you will receive from laughing yoga. This research has come from many sources, so I recommend you also look up laughing yoga yourself to see how many incredible benefits there are.
Reduces Stress: To quote the gorgeous Elle Woods - “exercise gives you endorphins and endorphins make you happy!” Laughing yoga triggers the release of endorphins, this is your body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Why is this beneficial? Well, it helps to reduce stress levels and promote a sense of well-being - just what we want!!
Boosts Immune System: Believe it or not, laughing can keep your immune system strong. Regular laughter can strengthen the immune system by increasing the production of antibodies and activating immune cells, making your body more resistant to infections.
Improves Cardiovascular Health: You know that stitch you receive when you laugh so hard? That’s actually a good thing. Laughing yoga provides a mild cardiovascular workout, improving blood circulation and heart health. It can also help to lower blood pressure over time - so keep doing it!
Enhances Mental Health: This is a no-brainer. You know when feel good after laughing. This is because it reduces the levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. It also combats depression and anxiety by boosting mood and providing a sense of relief.
Promotes Positive Outlook: Even when practiced alone at home, laughing yoga can help cultivate a more positive and optimistic outlook on life. Regular laughter encourages a lighter, more joyful mindset, which can improve overall mental well-being and resilience in the face of challenges.
If they’re not enough reason to take 5 minutes for a short session of laughing yoga today then I don’t know what it is.
Give it a go.
As always, let me know how you find it!
Sending you love,
Jade xx
