Laughter: one secret ingredient for nourishing your Body, Mind & Soul

You have heard the saying before: laughter is the best medicine. But why, exactly? In the pursuit of a balanced and conscious approach to nourishing our bodies, minds and souls we often prioritize what we eat, how to exercise, how to meditate … but one vital ingredient we seem to forget! In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often overlook the simple power of laughter. At SylSoulFood, we believe in the conscious consumption of not only food for the body, but also food for the mind and soul. In this blogpost I would like you to explore the incredible benefits of laughter and how it can elevate your overall well-being!

Body: the physical benefits of laughter

Laughter is like a mini-workout for the body. When you laugh, your diaphragm and abdominal muscles contract. This way it provides a gentle massage for your interal organs. Moreover, this natural workout increases blood flow and oxygnation, promoting better cardiovascular health. Laughter stimulates the production of endorphines, one of the happy hormones which can temporarily relieve pain and promote an overall sense of well-being.

Did you know that we use about 13-17 muscles to laugh but 43 muscles when we’re grumpy? More reason to keep the spirit up! And did you noticed that there different kinds of laughter and smiles? Think about how Jimmy Carr laughs, or the Joker… If your want to read more, click here

Mind: Laughter as mental medicine

Laughter has a profound impact on our mental health. It reduces the level of stress hormones in the body which in turn, reduces stress and anxiety. When you laugh, your brain releases neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin (another two of the happy hormones), which not oly enhance your mood but also improve your focus and crativitiy. I’ll bet you look at paintings differently from now on…

Regular laughter has been linked to improved memory and cognitive function. For which it is an essential ingredient for a healthy mind. This make me think about the a psychological fact: people who laugh the most, have experienced the most pain.

Soul: Laughter as spiritual connection

Laughter is an universal language that transcends barriers. It connects us with others on a deep, soulful level, no matter our skin colour, gender or language… when it’s funny, it’s funny. Sharing a laugh with friends and loved ones creates bonds that are  for our emotional well-being.

So, can we actually practice laughter? How odd it may seem, but yes you can actually practice conscious laughter. Here’s how:

1. Laugh with intention – meaning be aware of the moments that make you laugh genuinely. It could be a playful moment with a friend, a funny quote or a joke. Embrace these moments fully.
2. Cultivate a sense of humor – surround yourself with things that make you laugh. It can be books, stand-up comedy, your pet or simply looking a funny picture! Develop a light-hearted approach to life.
3. Laugh at yourself – as the saying goes: don’t take yourself too seriously. Embrace your imperfections, find humor in your mistakes. It’s a powerful way to practice self-compassion.
4. Share laughter – spread laugther wherever you go. Simply smile to a stranger, you might be the rainbow in his/her gloomy day. Share jokes, funny stories or memories… your laughter can make the difference.

Laughter is a precious gift we can give ourselves every day, besides it’s free of charge! At SylSoulFood, we encourage you to indulge in the richness of this experience. By incorporating conscious laughter into your daily routine, you ar not only nourishing your body, mind and soul, but also spreading joy to your surroundings. So, laugh heartily, enjoy the little things and let the echoes of your laughter fill your life with boundless positivity! Remember: making someone laugh after they have just finished crying is one of the most beautiful things to experience…..

Hope you enjoy my first blogpost in English, please let me know! Thank you…