Hi Shades Readers! 

Have you heard of these corny jokes?

Why did the mushroom go to the party? 

Because he was a fungi!

Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants?

In case he got a hole in one!

Are you laughing yet?  Well, we hope so!

Did you know that Sunday May 5th was World Laughter Day?  Yes, there really is a day for everything!

World Laughter Day is celebrated to promote laughter and its healing benefits.  Laughter yoga is an activity that allows people to get together to just laugh and this activity is getting more and more popular. 

 We all know how it feels to have a good gut-busting, knee-slapping, tear-inducing laugh…but when was the last time you actually laughed like that?  As we get older, laughter can tend to take a backseat to life or it can be muffled by concerns and worries.  Think about when kids are together, playing or just spending time – the giggles and chuckles are plentiful, often accompanied by exuberance or just sheer joy in being kids.  Those feelings of excitement and enthusiasm can decrease as we get older and more serious or it may seem improper to act like a child when you are an adult. 

Here is what we say – of course, there is a time and a place for everything so maybe you shouldn’t be cracking up when you are heading into that dream job interview but nothing is stopping you from having a good laugh when you’re with your friends or family having lunch. 

Laughter helps relieve stress and tension and increases feelings of optimism and hopefulness.  People like people who are happy, who can enjoy some of the funnier moments in life or who can laugh at themselves.  Put quite simply, laughing makes you feel good which can improve your own overall mood and the mood of those around you as well.

To help get you started, check out these videos – they will surely give you the giggles and don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!   

https://youtu.be/QEZkb97rRtI

https://youtu.be/4p4dZ0afivk

Here’s one last joke to get you going…what did the red light say to the green light?  Don’t look, I’m changing…!

Ok, we’re done now…:)

Have a great week, Shades readers, and don’t forget to share us on your social media channels.