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It’s a Laughing Matter

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Natalie Maneval Student Contributor, Syracuse University
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Stephanie Andrea Smith Student Contributor, Syracuse University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Syracuse chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

The room is filled with ear splitting laughter, or at least it would be if you participated in laughter yoga.

This kind of yoga encourages its participants to get silly. Laughter Yoga combines the breathing techniques of yoga with laughing.

Laughing does more then make your eyes water. It relaxes your muscles, reduces stress hormones, which allows your immune system to increase. Maybe the best part is laughing releases endorphins; your body’s feel good hormones. You can even do this kind of yoga at home just sit, laugh and breathe deeply. Even if you fake the laughing it will work. Studies show that the body can’t tell the difference between fake and genuine giggles.

 “Ive done laughter yoga once, and I really did feel happy the rest of the day,” says sophmore, Kelsey Broe.

So next time you are feeling down and need a pick me up, forget that coffee, just laugh a little.

Sources to check out: http://helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm
 
 

Stephanie is a senior at Syracuse University studying magazine journalism and psychology. She has been writing for Hercampus.com/Syracuse since her freshman year and has had two different beats: opinionated articles and study abroad tales. Stephanie is also involved with her sorority Gamma Phi Beta and writes for various mediums including The Daily Orange, 'Cuse Clothing Line and Medley Magazine.