Laughter is a way to relieve stress. But it also helps people suffering with illnesses and with other issues.

 

Learn about the power of laughter when The Laugh Academy hosts the workshop "How to Create Therapeutic Laughter and Laughter Clubs" workshop, beginning at 8:30 a.m., Thursday and Friday, June 3-4, 2010, at the Pine Lawn Cemetery Chapel, 2951 Harlem Road, Buffalo 14225. Pre-registration is required. 

Since Ohio psychologist, Steve Wilson, launched the workshop 10 years ago, about 5,000 people have learned how to plan, organize and conduct laughter clubs and therapeutic laughter programs in the 2-day course.
 
Participants get the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to lead friends, neighbors, students, employees, patients and others in a series of systematic activities that will bring them the remarkable benefits of laughter such as reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, alleviating pain, improving immune function, and living a healthy, balanced life.  

 

When it comes to relieving stress, more giggles and guffaws are just what the doctor ordered. According to the Mayo Clinic, mirthful laughter has been shown to be highly effective as a natural stress reliever, pain-reducer, and mood elevator, with important immune system and cardiovascular benefits. Applications are well-received in business, healthcare, education, Senior Services, employee wellness, and with school children.

 

             

The Instructor, Heather Wandell, MA, CLL, said, "This is my favorite workshop! I expect the class to enjoy the training and then bring the joy and power of laughter and mirth to schools, hospitals, businesses, and healthcare support groups in the community. We need this now, more than ever."

 

 

The World Laughter Tour's mission is to lead the world to health, happiness and peace through laughter. The main purpose is to teach others that laughter helps with health benefits, he said. "The laughter is therapy where it helps with your blood pressure and heart rate. It decreases stress and helps boost the immune system immensely," Wilson said. "The purpose of laughter is to help people feel good and stay healthy.

 

Especially during difficult times," according to Wilson, "we need to maintain our sense of humor and give ourselves permission for healthy laughter."  The workshop teaches ways of communicating that are uplifting, simple and powerful for individuals, organizations, and the community. And he said, "We have an amazing 6-step program to prevent hardening of the attitudes."

  

 

 

 

The two-day workshop covers theories, a knowledge base, and skills for organizing "Laughter Clubs" and other programs. "You don't have to be a clown or even be able to tell jokes" Wilson said. "If you are mature, responsible and cheerful, you can be successful as a Certified Laughter Leader,"