Always look on the bright side

9:37am Wednesday 7th February 2007

Comments (0)   Have your say »

Laughter really is the best medicine - or at least according to 'laughter teachers' Akasha Lonsdale and John Gloster-Smith.

The pair were at the Oxford Centre, in Banbury Road, to lead a Live Life Laughing Workshop, where people are taught techniques to help them reap the benefits of bringing more laughter into their lives.

But the laughter training does not feature jokes or humorous anecdotes.

Instead, it teaches pupils techniques to bring on natural spontaneous giggles, which can then be used to defuse anger or stress and boost positivity.

Mr Gloster-Smith said: "Laughter training has many benefits for individuals and businesses alike.

"It reduces stress by boosting the immune system, reducing the level of the negative stress hormone cortisol and increasing stamina.

"Emotionally, it stimulates a more positive outlook, reduces tension and irritability, and enhances communication through increased confidence. It really is the best medicine."

Oxford resident Jon Daniels, who attended the course, said: "It's been an absolutely fantastic experience.

"It was completely random - one minute you're fine and as soon as things go quiet you just lose it completely.

"You start laughing and you can't explain how it happens, but it felt great."

Val Knight said: "It's just really relaxing, you just feel so much more light-hearted.

"You can't even think of anything stressful."

The course was arranged by Oxford business networking club Ladies That Lunch.

For more information about laughter training courses, see the website www.thelaughterschool.com