COUNCIL'S SPRING PROGRAM INCLUDES A HEALTHY DOSE OF LAUGHTER
It's often said that laughter is the best medicine and Scenic Rim Regional Council's Be Healthy and Active spring program resumed this week with a healthy dose of Laughter Yoga included in the line-up.
Laughter Yoga is among the 35 free or low-cost indoor and outdoor activities included in this season's program, which Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said offered something for all ages and abilities.
"The Be Healthy and Active program provides a fabulous opportunity for the young and young-at-heart to take part in a wide range of activities and to form new friendships with other participants," he said.
"With an array of affordable activities, Be Healthy and Active is not only about encouraging individual fitness but also strengthening community connections - something we have appreciated even more since COVID-19.
"Whether it's something as energetic as Zumba or as effortless as meditation, I encourage everyone to make the most of this season's Be Healthy and Active Program and to enjoy the benefits of improved physical and mental well-being."
Laughter Yoga instructor Nerelie Teese said laughter offered some serious health benefits, even when people do not feel like laughing.
"Laughter Yoga is a body to mind exercise and our body really can’t tell the difference between real and simulated laughter as it’s using the same muscles and muscle memory as it does for real laughing," she said.
"However, the sustained nature of Laughter Yoga causes the brain to release natural and very powerful neuro-chemicals such as dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins and melatonin into our system and these result in improved mental and physical health and wellbeing.
"For example, dopamine is known as the ‘reward or happiness’ chemical which makes us feel good, serotonin contributes to wellbeing and happiness while also playing a key role in maintaining mood balance and endorphins help in relieving pain and stress."
Laughter Yoga at Beaudesert is just one of the free activities provided across the Scenic Rim in Council’s Be Healthy and Active program and Ms Teese enjoys sharing its benefits with participants.
"I love being able to provide free Laughter Yoga classes for people in my community because I know the health and wellbeing benefits they’ll receive from it," Ms Teese said.
"By taking part in Laughter Yoga classes in Jubilee Park, people receive all these benefits as well as increasing their range of physical movement surrounded by fresh air and early morning sunshine.
"Of course, I can’t take all the credit for this - our Scenic Rim Regional Council parks staff help provide the perfect place for the free laughter yoga sessions and another big part is the wonderful attitude that my participants bring with them."
Cr Christensen urged members of the Scenic Rim community to get with the program and join in.
"Our region's spectacular scenery and natural environment and our public places and spaces provide the perfect backdrop for a healthier and more active lifestyle," he said.