Weekly Wellbeing

How funny!

When was the last time you had a really good laugh? I mean one that starts small and ends up with tears running down your face and you holding your side because you almost have a stitch? My recent ‘belly laugh’ involved a story that a friend told me about feeling petrified while stuck in his car on the side of a road with a spider, but at the same time not wanting to hurt it. Doesn’t sound that funny at all, does it? Most of the time things that really make us laugh are ‘had to be there’ moments; a series of events, people and stories that culminate in everyone around us literally rolling on the ground laughing. Is laughter really just that, or is it more?

I recently read an article on the benefits of laughter and found out for example that laughter:

Relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
Boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
Triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
Protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
Lightens anger’s heavy load. Nothing diffuses anger and conflict faster than a shared laugh. Looking at the funny side can put problems into perspective and enable you to move on from confrontations without holding onto bitterness or resentment.

Laughter is the Best Medicine: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm Accessed 23/6/2020.

Over this two week break, where we get a chance to spend time with the people we love (without needing to facilitate home learning!), I encourage you to find more things to laugh about. If you are having an ‘off’ day, do something funny, watch something funny, make something funny. You will be amazed at how not only your mood will change, but your perspective too!

Triple P – Free Positive Parenting Program

Families can now access free expert parenting advice through the online Triple P – Positive Parenting Program.

The program is relevant to families with children between 2 and 16 years and gives parents strategies to raise happy, confident kids

manage misbehaviour so everyone in the family enjoys life more
set rules and routines that everyone respects and follows
encourage positive behaviour
take care of themselves as a parent
feel confident they’re doing the right thing.

For more information, visit the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, or contact Janice Robertson on:

email janice.robertson@dhhs.vic.gov.au
phone 03 9096 5016

Enjoy the break (and have a laugh about it),

Julie Reid - Student Wellbeing Officer