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How to Belly Laugh

By C S Lewis

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Published: 29Sep2009
Word count: 790
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At first glance this title may just confuse those who already think they know what laughing is and how to do it. What many people do not realize is that there is a big difference between casually giggling at a silly joke and thoroughly enjoying and taking the time to really laugh during moments that are just too hysterical to pass by. I like to call this sort of laugh, the sort of laugh that comes from deep down, a "Belly Laugh." The sound of such a laugh is hard to describe, because everyone has their own unique laugh, but you know it when you hear it and you feel it when you do it. Belly laughs start from the core and can shake your body for as much as 15 minutes, however the effects of it stay with you and keep you feeling happy the rest of the day. In our fast paced society, it is sometimes considered a waste of time to laugh. There are many reasons people these days do not laugh as much as they used to. Some people are insecure about their laughing habits, or afraid to look too childish, but the fact of the matter remains the same, laughing is good for your health.

Some people abstain from belly laughing because they are embarrassed of their laugh. I think that was my problem. My husband told me one day at the beginning of our marriage that he did not know what my laugh sounded like. At first, I defended myself and reminded him of how many funny times we have shared and some of the jokes I have laughed at and told. He agreed that we have enjoyed lots of hilarious times, but he could only remember what my faint chuckle sounded like. He was right. For a long time I was insecure about the way my laugh sounded in public and so I stifled it. I was afraid that my voice would crack or that I would snort if I laughed too hard. I felt uncomfortable when I laughed in public because I worried everyone else would hear my laugh and think it sounded awkward compared to all the other perfect, beautiful laughs. What a ridiculous notion! When something is genuinely funny, we should laugh, not be concerned about what other people think. Do you judge other people based on the quality or quantity of their laughter? Probably not. It is unlikely that other people are paying such close attention to you during a funny moment that they are listening closely to your laugh and determining whether or not your laugh is a good one or a strange sounding one.

Another reason people are afraid to laugh out loud is because they do not want to look childish in a professional environment. It is true that children laugh more than adults. In fact, the average pre-schooler laughs and smiles about 400 times per day, however laughing will not make an employee or employer look foolish. In fact, recent research suggests that the workplace needs to lighten up, because 63% of respondents in one study said that the stress they felt at work has impacted their health and family life negatively. Many companies are actually trying to bring humor back into the corporate world, because the employers know that by incorporating fun back into the working environment, employees can maintain a sense of happiness and be more efficient with their work. So laugh a little at work, be the one who encourages others to actually take pleasure in their occupation. No one will assume you are foolish. They will just think you are trying to enjoy the time you spend at the workplace. And who knows, maybe you are just what someone else needs to feel a little more comfortable and start laughing as well.

Laughing should be part of our everyday lives. Each time we give one good, belly laugh, we burn about 3.5 calories and we release endorphins. When these endorphins are released into the body, there is an exhilarating effect similar to the effects of a hard workout. Laughing also invigorates and replenishes our cells, souls and minds by increasing our oxygen intake. A good belly laugh can also boost immunity, relieve stress and even increase our pain threshold.

So there you have it. You owe it to yourself to look for the funny moments in life and not just chuckle. Do not worry about what your laugh sounds like or what other people will think of you. Just remember the benefits to your health. Give a good old-fashioned belly laugh the next time an unexpected comical thing happens during your busy day. Like the old saying goes, "Live well, love always and laugh often."

Courtney Lewis is the manager of Sweetly You where you can find unique bath and body products and create custom bath and body gift sets.

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