Have Singaporeans forgotten how to laugh?
It came as no surprise when Timothy Goh Ming Quan, a second-year diploma student at Republic Polytechnic noted that he and his peers felt stressed in the lead-up to their examinations last year.
According to a 2001 UNICEF survey, exam anxiety was a key cause of increasing stress levels. The survey also stated that thirty five per cent of these Singapore students aged between 9 to 17 years revealed that getting good grades made them happy.
It was then that he decided that something needed to be done to help de-stress students, and as one of his school's student coordinators, he took the initiative to engage laughing therapy conductor, Feliz Angela Hassan, Founder and President of "J" Beloved Club. The seminar was funded by the Health Promotion Board and was well received by students.
"Before the laughing therapy session I felt lethargic and stressed with the thoughts of upcoming examinations. However, after the session there was a sense of relief, as if the stress has dissipated. I felt more energetic and motivated to carry on with my daily activities," said the RP student.
Goh shared that he often feels stressed juggling between family time, studies and student life activities.
Feliz revealed that the demand for such sessions is on the rise. She began offering her services to the elderly at a Residents Committee last March. Her initial group of 19 senior citizens at Tiong Bahru Park has now increased to over 200 attendees, comprising 70 regular attendees.
Her business took flight fast, with corporations like Housing Development Board (HDB) Club and TransitLink Pte Ltd soon approaching her to engage her services for their staff. She recently conducted two seminars for school teachers as well.
Laughing therapy sessions have been reported to improve blood circulation and overall mental wellness.
"Positive word-of-mouth and the increased publicity on Laughter Therapy sessions have generated a gradual interest on this topic," said John Quek, project consultant from Worklife Solutions.
The firm revealed that their main source of business was companies hiring them to conduct workshops for employees. Worklife Solutions also previously conducted a similar workshop in 2010 for Si Ling Primary School teachers.
"Our participants come from all walks of life, be it young or old, laughter exercise is suitable for all ages and individuals. Since laughter is a universal language, nobody is immune to the highly infectious nature of laughter therapy."
He added that it is usually adults who require such sessions more than children, because they have forgotten "how to 'let go of themselves' and learn how to laugh".
Anastasia Yeo, trainee teacher at a secondary school, said that while she has not attended such sessions, she is open to the experience.
"I think it will be very beneficial for us [teachers] to de-stress," said Yeo.
