What are your unconscious beliefs about laughter?

 

That is a laughable question, is it not?

 

If it is unconscious, how can you know about it on the conscious level?

 

You can’t. By definition of the word unconscious.

 

If it is in the unconscious, by definition, we are not conscious of it.

 

But…is there a way to find clues? To suss it out?

 

Perhaps.

 

Let’s try…

 

We know many things about laughter.

 

A quick search reveals some of the benefits:

 

Laughter offers a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional health benefits.

 

It increases production of immune cells and infection fighting antibodies…

 

It helps the body better resist illnesses like colds and the flu…

 

This is partly due to laughter reducing stress…which can weaken immunity….

 

Significantly improves heart health.

 

It increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure by reducing stress hormones that constrict blood vessels.

 

Laughter sends more oxygenated blood throughout the body,

 

This can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

 

Laughter for 10-15 minutes is similar to a mild cardiovascular workout.

 

Laughter relieves pain.

 

How? By stimulating the feel-good chemicals such as endorphins, dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin.

 

These are natural painkillers and increase pain tolerance.

 

Studies have shown that laughter therapy can reduce pain levels by half in patients, including those with cancer.

 

It also promotes muscle relaxation, with the physical tension from a good laugh lasting up to 45 minutes afterward.

 

Mentally, laughter is a powerful tool for reducing anxiety, depression, and stress.

 

Dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins, chemicals associated with pleasure, motivation, and well-being.

 

This can improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and help regulate emotions.

 

Laughter also supports mental health by improving memory, creative thinking, and overall sense of well-being.

 

Socially, laughter fosters connection and belonging when done with others.

 

This is crucial for mental health and healthy aging.

It strengthens relationships, improves communication, and can even enhance social skills.

 

The act of laughing is contagious, making it easier to find humor and connection in group settings.

 

Laughter is accessible and easy to incorporate into daily life.

 

Even “forced” laughter can provide benefits.

 

It turns out the body does not know the difference between so called “forced” laughter and so called “genuine” laughter.

 

Whew. That is a long list of benefits.

 

And we know all this…consciously.

 

Why do we not laugh more often then?

 

If it is so good for us on so many levels?

 

Therein lies a clue to our subconscious beliefs about laughter.

 

If we know laughter is so good, what stops us from laughing more?

 

Could it be…

 

A subconscious set of beliefs, such as…

 

Laughter is frivolous and life is serious. Therefore, I should not laugh too much. I might be thought of as a frivolous person.

 

Laughter is only for evenings and weekends as I have to be serious during the working week.

 

There are serious problems/challenges in the world and I have to be serious to address those challenges.

 

Laughter can’t solve any problems.

 

I will look silly to others if I am laughing too much.

 

I don’t deserve to feel good.

 

People might think I am laughing at them.

 

Some people might take advantage of me.

 

I might make myself too vulnerable by laughing.

 

 

 

Might one or more of these beliefs lie in your subconscious?

 

Might these beliefs prevent you from having a good time laughing more with others?

 

Might they prevent you from feeling better about yourself?

 

How about preventing you from allowing healing energy into the many nooks and crannies of the body?

 

Might they be preventing you from relieving the stresses of every day life?

 

Might one of more of these beliefs be preventing you from

Significantly improving your physical, mental, and emotional health?

 

Is it time to over-ride any and all subconscious beliefs, whatever they may be?

 

And becoming more of yourself?

 

Enjoying life more?

 

Feeling the juice and passion of life energy coursing through your systems…your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual selves?

 

It is time to take life less seriously and take laughter more seriously?

 

None of us are getting out of here alive.

 

It is up to us to deepen our lives no matter the length of our lives.

 

That is my pitch for Laughter Yoga.

 

We do it online twice a week, Wednesdays at 7pm PDT and Sundays at 11am PDT.

 

Also: LIVE sessions on the first Sunday of the month in Cowichan.

 

Details: https://victorialaughteryogaclub.wordpress.com/laughter-schedule/

 

 

 

In Joy and Love

 

Matti Anttila PLD (Professional Laughter Dude)

Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher

Head Honcho at EasyStressRelease.com

Author of The Zen of Joy

 

“Joy and Love are key to overcoming our inner turmoil as well as the challenges and chaos present in the world.”

 

Free resource: “108 Tips for More Joy, Energy and Health.”   Click here:  https://joyenergyandhealth.com

Do your own research. Do not trust mine.

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© Copyright 2025 Matti Anttila,

PO Box 21144 Duncan RPO, Duncan Village, BC, Canada. V9L0C2

Privacy statement: I take your privacy seriously and do not distribute your information to anyone.

 

Disclaimer: Please make your own decisions about everything. That includes investment, taxation, health and/or any other area. Seek professional assistance before attempting any of the ideas, tools and/or techniques discussed herein.

 

Any and all information provided here is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed medical practitioner. Individuals are advised not to self-medicate in the presence of significant illness. Always consult with your licensed medical practitioner first before undertaking anything…be it supplements, exercise programs or other protocols. The information herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Do not construe the information provided here as authoritative health advice…or authoritative advice of any sort. All information provided or referred-to is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be health, medical, financial, accounting or tax advice, nor should it be relied upon as such. Matti Anttila is not a licensed financial planner, doctor or health practitioner. If you’re not inclined to Do-It-Yourself then please, before you Do-It-To-Yourself, obtain professional advice.