Laughter Yoga (LY in short) attracted me for a very long time, in fact since I first came across it during a yoga retreat in Italy many years ago.  During that retreat, our yoga instructor decided one morning to introduce us to this type of yoga and I was so impressed by the effects of the practice that I think I wanted to train in LY since!

Many years went on and this year was the year!! I finally did my teacher training this past month in France near Toulouse and became a LY teacher.  Whilst the training is only two days, it was intense! So much to learn and practice in such short space of time but a fabulous experience with amazing people.  We were only 5 people plus the lovely instructor Maguy.  Three of us are yoga instructors, one is a school teacher and one is a psychologist.  Great mix of people of similar ages.  The reasons we all wanted to become LY instructors is simply to make ourselves and others feel better, happier and in good health.

These days we all suffer from more stress, depression, getting less sleep, thinking negative thoughts and feeling isolated.  But if you want to move on and bring laughter & joy into your life like me then LY is the answer!

For centuries it has been known that “laughter is the best medicine” and science has now proven it.  And yet, there’s been no reliable method of bringing more laughter into people’s lives. Most of the time, humour and jokes do not work and there aren’t many reasons to make us laugh these days... LY is a tool which delivers the benefits of laughter on command and demand without relying on outside reasons and conditions of life.  Let me explain how it all works.

The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on scientific studies which has proved that the body cannot differentiate between intentional/voluntary and real laughter. One gets the same physiological and psychological benefits.

• Learn the Art of Laughing for No Reason: Anyone can laugh for no reason without relying on humour, jokes or comedy and one can feel the benefits on the very first session! It’s easy.
• Real and Contagious Laughter: We initiate laughter as a body exercise in a group and with eye contact and childlike playfulness, it quickly turns into real and contagious laughter.
• Science of Breathing: According to the yogic concept of breathing, your exhalation should be longer than your inhalation so that you can get rid of stale air from your lungs. Laughter as a form of exercise is a great way to exhale longer.

The key 5 Benefits of Laughter Yoga

• Good Mood and More Laughter: LY helps to change your mood within minutes by releasing endorphins from your brain cells. You’ll remain cheerful, in a good mood throughout the day and find yourself laughing more than you normally do.
• Healthy Exercise to Beat Stress: LY is like an aerobic exercise (cardio workout) which increases your heart rate, blood circulation thereby relaxing your muscles.
• Health Benefits: LY reduces stress and strengthens the immune system. You will not fall sick easily and if you have a chronic health condition, you will heal faster.
• Social Connection: The quality of our life depends upon the quality of our relationships. Laughter is a great connector of people and brings quality caring and sharing amongst friends
• Positive Attitude in Challenging Times: Everyone can laugh when life is good, but how does one laugh when faced with challenges? Laughter helps to create a positive mental attitude to deal with negative situations and people. It gives hope and optimism to cope with difficult times

Since announcing my new qualification, some people have asked me why is it called yoga?  That is because LY combines Laughter, Yogic Breathing, and Mindfulness, three key components of Yoga.

LY also known as Hasyayoga, is a global exercise programme developed by Indian physician Dr. Madan Kataria in 1995. It combines three essential elements:

1. Laughter and Playfulness: Unprovoked, intentional laughter without relying on humor, jokes, or comedies. This approach helps individuals tap into their natural laughter response, which is often suppressed as we grow older.
2. Yogic Breath-work (Pranayama): Specific breathing techniques used in yoga to enhance oxygenation, relaxation, and mental clarity. In Laughter Yoga, these techniques are adapted to facilitate deeper, more efficient breathing during laughter exercises.
3. Mindfulness Meditation: A mindful, non-judgmental approach to laughter, focusing on the physical sensations and emotional experiences of laughter. This aspect helps participants cultivate awareness, relaxation, and inner joy.

LY is typically practiced in a group setting, led by a trained instructor like me, and involves various exercises to promote intentional laughter. The programme aims to:

• Cultivate joy and happiness
• Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression
• Improve mood and overall well-being
• Enhance social connections and community building
• Increase oxygenation and relaxation through yogic breathing

LY has grown globally, with over 10,000 clubs in more than 110 countries, and is also practiced online. While research on its effectiveness is still limited, anecdotal evidence suggests that Laughter Yoga can have a positive impact on mental and emotional health, making it a popular and accessible wellness practice.

I will be starting LY sessions at the studios where I am teaching currently.  If you would like to join me, just send me a message.

Other ways to practice are by joining a LY Facebook group, join your local LY club or by watching Dr Madan Kataria videos on YouTube.  There is plenty out there for you to experience all the benefits of LY.

So start this wonderful practice today to enjoy all the benefits immediately! Ha Ha Ha!

Namaste

Christel 🤣