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When was the last time you enjoyed a great huge belly laugh? I mean the kind of belly laugh that you absolutely couldn’t stop and tears were rolling down your cheeks. Did you know that a great belly laugh is one way to reduce belly fat? Not only does it feel great but laughing is good for you. Next time you have the urge to laugh quietly and politely behind your hand, how about letting go with a great huge laugh. It is contagious and makes everyone around you feel good.
Laughing for Health
Laughing actually does burn calories, boost the immune system, calm your muscles, relax your mind, reduce physical pain and lower blood sugar levels with no negative side effects. It gives the body a mini-aerobic workout. Laughing out loud causes the chest to rise and fall and the stomach muscles to work harder which can even help tighten them.
Laughter reduces the levels of stress hormone cortisol, which lowers the metabolism and stores fat in the midsection. This means, laughter will help improve your metabolism naturally, which in turn, influences your body to burn more calories and lose weight.
Researchers have determined that just 15 minutes of laughter a day can help you burn between 10 and 40 calories, depending on your weight and how intense your laughter is. While it doesn’t seem like much because you don’t burn loads of extra calories, remember it’s little changes to your daily routine that will make big differences. That extra 10-40 calories burned each day from laughing is enough to lose up to 4lbs in one year! Also, having a good laugh usually makes most of us have a more positive attitude, ultimately helping us feel better about ourselves, which can keep us motivated and on track to lose those extra pounds.
How can you start laughing more? I recently completed 21 days of a guided meditation exercise. encouraging me to become aware of what I’m grateful for and also what brings me joy. In response to this growing understanding of gratitude and joy, I was encouraged to set my intention for the day. I encourage you to ponder what or who brings joy into your life and with intention begin welcoming more healthy healing laughter into your life.
We at the American College of Healthcare Sciences are committed to providing leadership in natural medicine. The college has been educating holistic health professionals since 1978. Based in Portland Oregon, with a satellite campus in Kona, Hawaii, ACHS is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). ACHS is one of the few accredited holistic health colleges offering fully online programs. Earn Masters, Bachelors and Associates degrees in a range of integrative health modalities. Earn stackable certificates or earn continuing education in aromatherapy, nutrition, herbal medicine, and more. ACHS is proud to host community wellness on campus and live streamed classes and webcasts. Community Wellness is a progressive concept that encompasses many healing practices and theories and makes them available to individuals and members within a community. We are adding new wellness programs all the time. See listings below for upcoming opportunities to participate in ACHS community wellness classes and webcasts at www.achs.edu.
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About American College of Healthcare Sciences
Founded in 1978, ACHS.edu is a Portland, Ore.-based, accredited college offering online, on-campus, and study abroad integrative health education. With undergraduate and graduate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and continuing education units in integrative health, ACHS makes holistic health and wellness education accessible to a diverse community, including healthcare professionals, military students, stay-at-home parents, and lifelong learners. Specializations include aromatherapy, herbal medicine, holistic nutrition, and integrative health. ACHS is a Certified B Corporation® and was named two of 100 Best Green Workplaces in Oregon 2017 by Oregon Business magazine. ACHS is also accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). In response to our commitment to service members, veterans and military spouses, ACHS has been designated as one of the top 16% of military-friendly institutions in the U.S. for nine years in a row. For more information visit achs.edu.
Blog References:
https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/diet-fitness/weight-loss/laughter-natural-weight-loss.htm
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/4221778/Laughing-can-help-you-lose-weight.html
https://www.sharecare.com/health/calories/how-many-calories-burn-laugh
https://toomuchonherplate.com/ha-the-physical-emotional-and-weight-loss-benefits-of-laughter/
