Yes, it’s January with a wealth of information flooding through, advice and tips on how to be sober, fitter, reconcile or end relationships. With all the diets coming at us to encourage us to get back on track, on line gym sessions to help kick start 2021 and reboot the lockdown regimes. 

Do we want to stop eating chocolates? Do we want to work out 3 times a week ? Do we want to keep the gin secure in the fridge? Realistically the majority of us would tick NO.  Surely there must be a better and more enjoyable way to get the va va voom into the New Year. There is another option and far simpler, cheaper and much more pleasurable. We all have access to it and we all can share it. No more important than ever.

Laughter. It can only be seen as a good thing. Scientists tell us that laughter, humour and joy are an important part of life. Laughing lowers our blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, and increases muscle flexion. It increases the circulation of infection-fighting antibodies in the blood stream and makes us more resistant to infection and disease. As laughter triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural feel-good chemicals, these will promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Laughter can stimulate many organs as it enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain and also activates and relieves your response to stress.

A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, as it helps relax the body leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes afterwards.

When you're angry, upset or stressed, your blood pressure goes up, and stress can lead to other physical problems. So, if you can laugh things off, it can be beneficial to your health and your longevity. Different studies have been done and most of them have very similar results. Laughter helps your overall health and extend your life as it is seen to boost your immune system.

So as part of any fitness/wellness plan for the months ahead, and while comedy clubs remain closed sit back and indulge in what tickles your fancy !! We all need it.