What is Laughter Yoga

It’s a fun exercise class involving gentle stretches, deep breathing, and of course, plenty of laughter.   We do a variety of childlike play exercises, and laugh intentionally – that laughter soon becomes real, especially when we practice in a group. 🤣

We don’t use comedy or jokes – let’s face it, most of us have had days when our sense of humour seems to have gone awol.  In a laughter yoga session, you get all the benefits of laughter without having to feel upbeat and cheerful first.

It’s not about comedy or jokes.  We’re making a conscious choice to laugh for the health of it.

Most people feel a lot better after a good laugh.  Try it.

For a healthy D.O.S.E.

Dopamine

Oxytocin

Serotonin

Endorphins

Sustained laughter is a form of aerobic exercise that gets your heart and lungs working hard (and your abs too!).  As Dr Kataria says “Laughter Yoga is a powerful cardio workout; 10 minutes of laughing is equal to 20 minutes on a rowing machine.”  Physically it boosts your immune system, strengthens your lungs, increases oxygen intake, improves circulation, it’s detoxing and energising.  Emotionally it releases positive hormones into our system, reduces stress, improves mood, and can help to increase confidence and reduce inhibitions or shyness.  Because of all this, it has a knock-on effect on our relationships.  When we’re happier, our relationships become easier, communication is more positive, and our whole life becomes more joyful.

There will still be challenges in life, but with regular laughter, they become more manageable.

How long does it take to feel the benefits?

Some people feel a lot better after just one session.  However, to gain long-term benefits, it’s best to practice intentional laughter regularly – ideally daily.  It can take a few weeks to become a habit, especially in our thoughts and attitude outside the laughter sessions.  That’s when it begins to affect us deeply, and make us more optimistic, outgoing and joyful in our lives.

From my own experience, I highly recommend it.  It’s been transformative for me in dealing with difficult situations, and recovering quickly afterwards, which is why I’m so keen to share it.

When we do find something funny, we generally don’t laugh for very long.  In order to  get maximum benefits, aim to laugh for about 10-15 minutes per day (or more if you like!).

“We don’t laugh because we are happy, we are happy because we laugh.”

— William James