THRIVE Week: How About Some Laugh Therapy?
Laughter: A Natural Remedy for Stress
According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter is one of the BEST ways to relieve stress. The article Stress relief from laughter? It’s no joke explains the short- and long-term benefits of laughter on the human body and mind. It can help you cope, boost your immune system, stimulate organs, soothe tension, and improve your mood.
Even a fake smile or laugh is good for us. In her article Sixteen Stress Busters: Positive Changes to Take Stress Away, Lauren Parsons says that it can “often lead to real laughter, which lifts our mood and releases chemicals in the body that make us feel great, all while combating stress.”
Laura McShane, who works for the Grand River Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association believes in the power of laughter as well. In Laughter’s healing powers focus of Mental Health Week, she describes laughter’s physical benefits:
“It helps the liver better process the stress hormone adrenalin, decreases blood pressure, increases oxygen intake and circulation, stimulates the immune system and releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemical… Laughter can help people cope better and boost resilience for when they hit a rough patch… There are many little and free ways to bring more joy and humour into life.”
Are you looking for “little and free ways” to enjoy some laughter? For a free dose of laugh therapy, and information about THRIVE Week activities, read on.
Laugh Therapy, Courtesy of NFB
In honour of THRIVE Week (November 4-8), RRC Library would like to get you in the laughing mood. We have a line-up of hilarious award-winning animation selected from the Library’s NFB Campus collection. Click on the thumbnail image then log in with your College ID when prompted. Hope you have a great laugh!
The Big Snit
This poignant and hilarious animated film perfectly captures the intersection of a domestic quarrel and a global nuclear war. Enjoyed by millions of fans, this film is a classic example of Richard Condie’s off-the-wall humour.
Bob’s Birthday
A witty, offbeat animated portrait of a frustrated dentist wrestling with the fundamental issues of life proves that birthdays (and surprise parties) can be very tricky indeed.
The Danish Poet
Kasper, a poet whose creative well has run dry, is on a holiday in Norway in search of inspiration. As his quest unfolds, a spell of bad weather, an angry dog, slippery barn planks, a careless postman, hungry goats and other seemingly unrelated factors end up playing roles in the big scheme of things.
Strange Invaders
An animated short about a new addition to the family. Part science-fiction, part autobiography, Strange Invaders is another irrepressible comedy by Cordell Barker.
The Cat Came Back
This hilarious animation is based on the century-old folk song of the same name. Old Mr. Johnson makes increasingly manic attempts to rid himself of a little yellow cat that just won’t stay away…
Runaway
Set to the rousing music of Ben Charest (Triplets of Belleville), this animated short takes you on a journey that is both funny and disastrous.
You may also like:
>> The Shortest Day Playlist on NFB
How to THRIVE at the Library…
Light Therapy
RRC Library hosts wellness activities year-round. As part of a joint program between Healthy Minds Healthy College, we offer light therapy to soothe winter blues. A permanent station is set up at the EDC and NDC Libraries. We also have portable “happy lights” that you may borrow for one-hour periods at a time.
>> Read more about light therapy: Light Therapy – Mayo Clinic
Puzzle and Colouring Therapy
Other wellness activities include “Puzzle Therapy” and “Colouring Therapy” at the NDC library. Come visit us any time you need to take a break from the grind.
Library Collection
In collaboration with Healthy Minds Healthy College, RRC Library has curated a selection of Wellness resources for you. Visit the Healthy Minds Healthy College Library Guide and the Healthy Minds Healthy College Library Collection for more information.
College-wide THRIVE Week Activities (Nov 4-8)
THRIVE Week is filled with free self-care events. Healthy Minds Healthy College has planned several THRIVE Week activities. With therapy dog visits, paint night, a lunch hour comedy show and much more, there’s something for everyone.
More information:
>> Thrive Week Activities – NDC
>> Thrive Week Activities – EDC
Happy THRIVE Week, everyone!
–Posted by Linda Fox, Library Services