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    The Laughter Effect

    How to Build Joy, Resilience, and Positivity in Your Life

    Author Ros Ben-Moshe
    Hardcover
    $32.99 US
    Crooked Lane Books | Alcove Press
    On sale Mar 19, 2024 | 272 Pages | 9781639105755
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    Supercharge your "happy hormones" with this motivational self help book featuring mind-body techniques for boosting joy and gratitude through laughter.

    Laughter really is the best medicine!

    In The Laughter Effect, Ros Ben-Moshe provides a roadmap to tap into the lighter side of life with laughter therapy. Ben-Moshe shares tips and tools to achieve an intentional state of being she calls the Laughter Effect–a way to elevate mindfulness, gratitude, and self-compassion, including:

    • Laughter yoga, which is comprised of coordinated movements, breathing and stretching, positive reinforcements, and expressions of mirth
    • Starting a humor journal, where you collect things that make you laugh for future reference
    • Smiling and laughing mindfulness practices, including a gratitude mindful body scan
    • Positive reframing to help you find joy in difficult times

    When used regularly, it enhances resilience to stress, enabling you to respond to adversity and bounce forward with humor, levity, and grace. 

    Drawing on research from around the world, practice and wisdom from humor and laughter therapy, and positive psychology and neuroscience, Ben-Moshe shows you how to use the energy of laughter and joy to counter stress hormones and stimulate a daily dose of positive wellbeing with “happy hormones.”

    The techniques, strategies and practices you’ll learn can transform your physical, mental, social and emotional landscape. Viewing life through a laughter lens will awaken a positive change in yourself, how you respond to the world and, in turn, how the world responds to you.
    Introduction
    1. The History of Laughter
    2. We Laugh to Thrive
    3. The Best Medicine
    4. Motion Creates Emotion
    5. Our Sixth Sense—Humor
    6. Playing with the Laughter Effect
    7. Smile and the Whole World Smiles with You
    8. Gleeful Gratitude
    9. Self-Compassion with a Smile
    10. Joyful Journaling and Positive Reframing
    11. The Last Laugh
    Conclusion: The Laughter Effect in Practice
    Glossary
    Resources
    Acknowledgments
    Notes
    Ros Ben-Moshe is an internationally recognised laughter wellness and positivity expert. She is adjunct lecturer at La Trobe University, where she has taught positive psychology and health promotion. A Global Laughter Ambassador, Ros is a regular commentator and writer in Australian media. Her highly praised first book is Laughing at Cancer – How to Heal with Love, Laughter and Mindfulness. She has spent over twenty years empowering people to embrace intentional smiling and laughter practices to generate positive life transformation and boost joy.
    Ros Ben-Moshe View titles by Ros Ben-Moshe
    Praise for The Laughter Effect:
    “Hard to resist . . . [An] energetic testament to the power of levity.”
    —Publishers Weekly

    “Life changing, life enhancing, life celebrating.”
    —Midwest Book Review

    “A transformative guide that beautifully explores the power of laughter and its profound impact on our well-being. With practical techniques and heartfelt insights, this book takes readers on a journey to cultivate joy, resilience, and positivity—a must-read for anyone seeking to infuse their life with laughter, gratitude, and more fun.”
    —Mike Rucker, Ph.D., behavioral scientist, author of the best-selling book The Fun Habit

    “This book put a smile on my face and a glow in my heart . . . Full of stories, science, and strategies, [The Laughter Effect] will enlighten your mind and enliven your mood. Told by a seasoned practitioner and a marvelous storyteller, The Laughter Effect is destined to become a classic.”
    —Isaac Prilleltensky, author of The Laughing Guide to Well-Being: Using Humor and Science to Become Happier and Healthier

    “A beautiful blend of science, wisdom, and good stories. If you need a good laugh, this is a practical way to get there.” 
    —Loretta Breuning, author of Habits of a Happy Brain and Tame Your Anxiety

    “The Laughter Effect is an inspiring read that highlights laughter’s power to heal, unite and transform.  Showcasing examples from around the globe it also provides you with the tools to prescribe your daily dose of laughter – the best medicine for your health and happiness.”
    —Dr. Madan Kataria, author of Laughter Yoga: Daily Practices for Health and Happiness

    “This engaging book provides inspiring guidance on the power of laughter as the foundation for optimal well-being. Extensive research provides the background for this gem of book with funny and practical applications that include the “Tickle Monster Laugh” and “Smile Spies.” If you want to feel the laughter in your body and make the world a better place this is the book you have been waiting for! It has my highest recommendation.”
    —Mary Kay Morrison, MS Ed, CHP, author of Legacy of Laughter: A Grandparent Guide and Playbook

    “A masterful blend of research and practical wisdom, offering profound insights into the transformative power of laughter. From each page resonates Ben-Moshe's deep understanding of the subject, making it a delightful and enlightening read. This is more than just a book; it's a guide to a more joyous life. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent with it and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a deeper connection to joy, health, and well-being.” 
    —Sebastian Gendry, creator of Laughter Wellness

    “The Laughter Effect is full of thoroughly researched, practical, and fun wellness strategies to help you live lighter (and maybe even longer) without having to buy new yoga pants!”
    —Paul Osincup, Keynote speaker, humor strategist, and author of The Humor Habit

    About

    Supercharge your "happy hormones" with this motivational self help book featuring mind-body techniques for boosting joy and gratitude through laughter.

    Laughter really is the best medicine!

    In The Laughter Effect, Ros Ben-Moshe provides a roadmap to tap into the lighter side of life with laughter therapy. Ben-Moshe shares tips and tools to achieve an intentional state of being she calls the Laughter Effect–a way to elevate mindfulness, gratitude, and self-compassion, including:

    • Laughter yoga, which is comprised of coordinated movements, breathing and stretching, positive reinforcements, and expressions of mirth
    • Starting a humor journal, where you collect things that make you laugh for future reference
    • Smiling and laughing mindfulness practices, including a gratitude mindful body scan
    • Positive reframing to help you find joy in difficult times

    When used regularly, it enhances resilience to stress, enabling you to respond to adversity and bounce forward with humor, levity, and grace. 

    Drawing on research from around the world, practice and wisdom from humor and laughter therapy, and positive psychology and neuroscience, Ben-Moshe shows you how to use the energy of laughter and joy to counter stress hormones and stimulate a daily dose of positive wellbeing with “happy hormones.”

    The techniques, strategies and practices you’ll learn can transform your physical, mental, social and emotional landscape. Viewing life through a laughter lens will awaken a positive change in yourself, how you respond to the world and, in turn, how the world responds to you.

    Table of Contents

    Introduction
    1. The History of Laughter
    2. We Laugh to Thrive
    3. The Best Medicine
    4. Motion Creates Emotion
    5. Our Sixth Sense—Humor
    6. Playing with the Laughter Effect
    7. Smile and the Whole World Smiles with You
    8. Gleeful Gratitude
    9. Self-Compassion with a Smile
    10. Joyful Journaling and Positive Reframing
    11. The Last Laugh
    Conclusion: The Laughter Effect in Practice
    Glossary
    Resources
    Acknowledgments
    Notes

    Author

    Ros Ben-Moshe is an internationally recognised laughter wellness and positivity expert. She is adjunct lecturer at La Trobe University, where she has taught positive psychology and health promotion. A Global Laughter Ambassador, Ros is a regular commentator and writer in Australian media. Her highly praised first book is Laughing at Cancer – How to Heal with Love, Laughter and Mindfulness. She has spent over twenty years empowering people to embrace intentional smiling and laughter practices to generate positive life transformation and boost joy.
    Ros Ben-Moshe View titles by Ros Ben-Moshe

    Praise

    Praise for The Laughter Effect:
    “Hard to resist . . . [An] energetic testament to the power of levity.”
    —Publishers Weekly

    “Life changing, life enhancing, life celebrating.”
    —Midwest Book Review

    “A transformative guide that beautifully explores the power of laughter and its profound impact on our well-being. With practical techniques and heartfelt insights, this book takes readers on a journey to cultivate joy, resilience, and positivity—a must-read for anyone seeking to infuse their life with laughter, gratitude, and more fun.”
    —Mike Rucker, Ph.D., behavioral scientist, author of the best-selling book The Fun Habit

    “This book put a smile on my face and a glow in my heart . . . Full of stories, science, and strategies, [The Laughter Effect] will enlighten your mind and enliven your mood. Told by a seasoned practitioner and a marvelous storyteller, The Laughter Effect is destined to become a classic.”
    —Isaac Prilleltensky, author of The Laughing Guide to Well-Being: Using Humor and Science to Become Happier and Healthier

    “A beautiful blend of science, wisdom, and good stories. If you need a good laugh, this is a practical way to get there.” 
    —Loretta Breuning, author of Habits of a Happy Brain and Tame Your Anxiety

    “The Laughter Effect is an inspiring read that highlights laughter’s power to heal, unite and transform.  Showcasing examples from around the globe it also provides you with the tools to prescribe your daily dose of laughter – the best medicine for your health and happiness.”
    —Dr. Madan Kataria, author of Laughter Yoga: Daily Practices for Health and Happiness

    “This engaging book provides inspiring guidance on the power of laughter as the foundation for optimal well-being. Extensive research provides the background for this gem of book with funny and practical applications that include the “Tickle Monster Laugh” and “Smile Spies.” If you want to feel the laughter in your body and make the world a better place this is the book you have been waiting for! It has my highest recommendation.”
    —Mary Kay Morrison, MS Ed, CHP, author of Legacy of Laughter: A Grandparent Guide and Playbook

    “A masterful blend of research and practical wisdom, offering profound insights into the transformative power of laughter. From each page resonates Ben-Moshe's deep understanding of the subject, making it a delightful and enlightening read. This is more than just a book; it's a guide to a more joyous life. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent with it and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a deeper connection to joy, health, and well-being.” 
    —Sebastian Gendry, creator of Laughter Wellness

    “The Laughter Effect is full of thoroughly researched, practical, and fun wellness strategies to help you live lighter (and maybe even longer) without having to buy new yoga pants!”
    —Paul Osincup, Keynote speaker, humor strategist, and author of The Humor Habit

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    Dear Educators, We’ve all heard the adage “laughter is the best medicine”, The Laughter Effect: How to Build Joy, Resilience and Positivity in Your Life is its prescription.  A body-mind practice that incorporates wisdom from laughter therapy, health promotion, neuroscience, positive psychology and mindfulness, it adds an innovative new dimension to self-care and wellbeing. My

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