Laughing with Laura: laughing in church

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

LAUGHING IN NASHUA

On Wednesday, September 15th, I offered a program of biblical joy and laughter at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Nashua, Iowa. Below are some of the photos and a video from the laughing volunteer appreciation banquet. The youth group got really into my laughter hats and we all had a wonderful time. Laughing is a fun way to bring a church group together.

The organizer, Elayne Werges had this to say about the event:
"Thank you so much for coming to Nashua and speaking. We want to specially thank you for helping us to laugh again. You are such a blessing to this church!"

LAUGHTER: THE BEST MEDICINE

Why laugh? Because laughter is good medicine. Studies say that laughter does all of the following things:

• Improves overall sense of well being
• Boosts happiness
• Strengthens and balances the immune system
• Releases endorphins to naturally relieve pain
• Decreases the level of stress hormone
• Lowers blood pressure
• Nurtures creativity
• Reduces risk of heart disease
• Floods the body with a natural "happy hormone"
• Helps manage and overcome depression
• Deepens inner peace
• Breaks social isolation and fosters new friendships
• Develops self-confidence
• Alleviates the discomfort of specific physical challenges
• Cultivates your childlike playfulness for a happier you

Yes, laughter can do all that! Dr. Lee Berk, famous gelatologist (scientist who studies laughter), says that if you bottled up all the healthy effects of laughter into a pill, you'd need FDA approval! It is that powerful, but it is free and has no side effects. And this is why Laughing Laura is committed to increasing world happiness one laugh at a time.