Sir, – Pre-pandemic, I regularly attended laughter yoga classes and found it most cathartic and grounding. I have since made the most of brief periods when my apartment is empty and welcome laughter to engulf my being. A good belly laugh at no one’s expense and at nothing in particular. It is based on the premise that our bodies do not know the difference between real and voluntary laughter. Regular bouts of giddiness endow benefits such as an improved immune system and lower cortisol levels. I have also found an unusual benefit to wearing a mask while out in public. I retain a wide-eyed smile throughout my daily shopping excursions and feel just marvellous doing so, without, as before, fielding inquiries regarding my state of mind made by astute and rather serious fellow shoppers. – Yours, etc,
JAMES O’ROURKE,
Mullingar,
Co Westmeath.