Laughter truly is the best medicine—it has been proven to strengthen your immune system and lessen anxiety. On May 28, participants and staff in our Community Based Day Support (CBDS) program in Chicopee were in good humor—literally— during a laughter wellness session led by Trevor Smith, owner of Blue Sky Consulting, which uses laughter and improvisational techniques in workshops for organizations.

It was a command performance—there was also a laughter session at CBDS on May 7. Both events were made possible by a grant from the Chicopee Cultural Council.

CBDS allows individuals to access the community to explore vocational, recreational and volunteer activities, while building skills that promote independence. They also have their share of fun, and they began the session with personal anecdotes about laughter in their lives. Hilarity ensued when they played catch with an imaginary ball and when they made—and drank—imaginary milkshakes.

“Laughter helps reduce stress and builds a sense of community,” said Smith. “It’s also contagious.” Indeed, It’s hard not to break out laughing—or at least crack a smile—when you hear Smith’s hearty laugh. Research shows laughter also has aerobic benefits. “If you laugh 100 times a day, that’s equal to 15 minutes on a treadmill,” he said.