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Justin Hoffman |
Go on have a laugh... it might just do you good
Stress counsellor says even a forced smile can work wonders
A GOOD laugh is supposed to be a natural tonic. And at an alternative health event in Islington next weekend, stress counsellor Justin Hoffman will suggest it is often therapeutic to laugh for no reason.
Bloomsbury-based Mr Hoffman believes we should forget the dreadful weather and pressures of life – and look at ourselves in the mirror (“that’s a laugh for a start”) and have a good chortle.
He will speak at a spiritual lifestyle event at St Paul’s Church, in St Paul’s Road, on September 1-2, when he hopes to attract more than 1,500 visitors.
Warming to his subject of laughter therapy, Mr Hoffman, 52, said: “Who cares if people think you’re mad? After a period of forcing yourself to smile it becomes a lot easier.”
A translator by profession, he took up the study of laughter workshops as a way of relieving his own stress. He claims that forced laughter can help release endorphins which make you feel happy.
Mr Hoffman’s workshop is one of 40 talks and presentations on subjects such as raw food, ecology, massage and meditation.
“I encourage people to laugh for no reason,” Mr Hoffman said. “But it is not about telling jokes. We do simulated laughter exercises under the theme ‘fake it until you make it’.
“I encourage people to laugh spontaneously in order to take the seriousness out of life. You don’t have to be a comedian but there has to be a willingness to laugh.”
Mr Hoffman pointed out that a recent study suggested a minute of laughter is equivalent to 10 minutes on a rowing machine in a gym.
Laughter can apparently boost the immune system by up to 40 per cent, he added.
“I can’t make claims about the treatment, but as a complementary therapy for people who are under stress, anxiety or depression, I find it can work,” Mr Hoffman said.
“It doesn’t help you solve problems but it can help you dissolve them.”
Does he still practise what he preaches and laugh at his own problems?
Mr Hoffman said: “Sometimes I do, of course. There are exercises we can all do like looking in the mirror, stick out your tongue and have a good laugh.”
The Festival of Life runs from 11am to 7pm on September 1-2. Day tickets are £8, a weekend ticket £12, with no additional charges for talks, workshops and performances. |
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