The power of laughter

6/12/2017

One of my most favourite memories recently is one of laughter.

We were in a conference room, all eighty of us. I was presenting. All of us were laughing. I was laughing so hard it was difficult to breathe, much less talk.

What a wonderful memory. Even writing about it accesses positive feelings and inside pictures that offer delight right now.

Laughter is powerful. Laughter with (not at) can be a "game changer".

... and ...
we know that socially, laughter:

creates warm memories
creates social bonds
gives permission to enjoy
lightens the heart
is infectious
reminds us to enjoy life
gives others messages that they are OK and safe

Some recent research looks at the impact of laughter on the brain and body. Some highlights include how laughter:

releases endorphins which are natural pain killers
neurologically soothes physical and emotional pain
shifts heart rate
is a cue in play that tells the social engagement system of the heart that the other is a safe person (Dr. Steven Porges, Polyvagal Theory)
helps down-regulate flight/flight systems
increases oxygen to organs (brain and body) and reduces responses to stress

What are some of the words that describe laughter, or go along with laughter?
- guffaw
- hilarity
- glee
- grin
- smile
- chortle
- giggle
- chuckle
- shriek
- belly laugh
- roar
- howl

As July and August approach I am considering how I will

bring laughter to life
bring more laughter into my life
bring joyous life to those around me.

Consider this "sentence frame" ...

This summer I will invite laughter by ___________________.

What people have said
My daughter (going on 4) is younger than the intended age group but she loves the “I Series”, she calls them her “Happy Face Books”. I love that even though she may not fully understand all of the content, there is a lot that I have been able to relate back to situations where she has been playing with her cousins and with other kids at the playground. The techniques demonstrated in these books have been a great guide for me as a parent to teach my pre-schooler emotional regulation skills and prepare her for future social situations." Ainsley Painchaud Instead I ... and What if I ... and So then I ... and Why Can't I ...

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I highly recommend [Instead I...'s] use in homes as well as in schools, where these concrete skills can be effectively modeled by adults and practiced by children.
W. Dale Heide, MSW,
Clinical Social Worker, AB,

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! “Instead I...” will help children navigate the many challenges of a school day.
Madeline DeLorey,
B.A., B.Ed. Teacher, ON

[Instead I ...] really helped my son with his behaviour in school and at home. He is now in Grade 5 and is making better choices and is a better student. Thanks for the AMAZING book!
Robert Parent Entrepreneur, AB

What If I … teaches skills to calm the worried mind. These skills that are foundational to good mental health in childhood AND adulthood.  What If I … draws the reader into the day-to-day realities of children and young students.
  Van McGeein, MSW, RSW
AB

This book is exceptional in helping quiet worriers build language around their feelings and develop simple strategies to begin to find new patterns.
  Dr. Jennifer Batycky,
Principal, AB

So then I… is a book that children will identify with and that adults will find invaluable in helping kids to ‘have a great week.’ Mary-Catherine ... weaves straightforward and research-based strategies for dealing with ... challenges into the story.
Craig Harper, M.Sc.
Psychologist, AB

So then I… is a great companion to the first two books. My daughter engaged with them immediately.
I know she will love this one too! Heidi Grogan, M.A.
Writer, Instructor, AB

This beautiful little book is a much needed resource for kids and the adults in their lives. ...   Why Can’t I helps every child to understand what they’re feeling, and to take simple, practical steps toward a healthier and happier state of being.
Tam Lundy, Ph.D.,
   Canadian Self-Regulation Initiative

This series is exceptional at giving children and adults the language to describe, and practice, emotional, calming, and social skills. ... Children can discover that they can “grow” important survival skills, that these skills aren’t simply innate or absent.      Liz Spittal, B.Ed., M.Ed.- TESL, English Language Learning

The power of laughter

Caring.
Transforming.
Connecting.

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The power of laughter

Caring. Transforming.Connecting.

Categories

Archives

Caring.
Transforming.
Connecting.