Wellness is foundational to peak performance. We’ll do this today by tackling the science and stories behind the practices of Bryson Bonsol, a happiness guru. Part of happiness is laughter because we know that it helps us deal with stress and anxiety. Here are six science-based reasons why laughter is the best medicine:

1. Potent endorphin releaser
(natural pain and stress fighter)
2. Contagiously forms social bonds
3. Central to relationships
(partners prefer those with a sense of humor)
4. Fosters brain activity
5. Antidepressant
6. Protects your heart and lungs

As a working student who had very low self-esteem, I kept comparing myself to other students who seemed to have it better than me. I kept asking myself, “what are the secrets to being happy?” I went to the library to do research and I came to a section of self-help books. I learned that everything starts with the mind and that sparked my curiosity about improving the quality of my thoughts. Since then, I’ve come to master the practice of visualization and I use it to visualize successful and positive outcomes. When I wake up, I visualize the things that I want to happen throughout the day.

I am not immune from worries and anxieties. I still worry about the uncertainties of life, but I know how to keep myself calm and visualization allows me to surrender to the grace of God’s providence. Visualization is a way for me to reassure myself that all is well. When I feel like I don't have to worry, I'm more relaxed, trusting, and I'm able to let go. Worry only makes us fearful and it sabotages our lives. I had such a great start to 2020 - I had everything figured out and I was booked for events with ABS-CBN and radio shows. But then the pandemic hit and I lost all of these opportunities. I had loans to pay. I worried so much to the point where I was hopeless and helpless because I couldn't even motivate myself. Parang nawalan ako na ng buhay. I spent so many hours just lying in bed constantly worrying. But I started to apply everything I learned about visualization and meditation and little by little through faith and patience, blessings came. I received invitations to speak and I realized that my mission is to impart what I've learned to others. Continuing to learn everyday keeps me motivated, inspired, and happy with living in the moment.

From immaterial to material, from spiritual to physical - everything begins in the mind. Everything is energy - your thoughts, words, emotions etc. Words actually influence the molecular structure of water. The water in your body absorbs negative energies - that's why we're encouraged to say good things to others. The power of words are very undervalued and understated, and subconsciously we know that it works. Moreover, you have to keep visualizing in order to tap into the subconscious mind. Think of the subconscious as a garden. You have to take care of your garden by planting seeds and taking care of your beautiful plants. So by visualizing beautiful things in your mind, you plant beautiful things in your subconscious. Since the language of our subconscious are images, you enhance this garden through the visualization of positive things.

Laughter therapy was developed by an Indian scientist and over time it morphed into laughter yoga. The scientist studied the effects of laughter and found out that the brain cannot distinguish between fake and real laughter. When you hear or produce laughter, your mind produces endorphins. Studies show that laughter can even protect you from cancer. Ingesting oxygen and producing endorphins from laughter will cause cancer cells to cease from developing, and when laughing, you breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, which is a precursor to meditation. Laughter yoga may seem silly but it is indeed powerful.

The happiest man alive is a Buddhist monk. Scientists studied the brain activity of Buddhist monks while they were meditating. They analyzed brain waves shifting from Beta, to Alpha, to Theta. They surmised that the Theta is the subconscious mind, wherein we achieve a meditative state. It’s all about the mind and we must clear our minds into a state of peace. When we achieve peace of mind, our bodies will be affected positively. Do not delay happiness. Happiness is not just about gratification. Happiness is doing the things that you love that are life-giving. Gawin mo ang mga bagay na nagbibigay buhay sayo. Self-awareness is the key. Don’t wait for uncertain external things. You are invited to be happy in the here and now. The secret is to do things that would make you happy. You must believe that life is beautiful and its natural state is happiness. You deserve to be happy. God wants you to be happy. Here and now.