Laughter Yoga is fast becoming a popular form of self care. Although some individuals still find it unusual and even ‘cringeworthy’ it is being tried by more and more people, with laughter workshops taking place at some of the biggest festivals like Glastonbury and even mini sessions being aired on large radio stations like Radio 2 as well as some corporate companies hiring happiness facilitators to deliver sessions in the work place as part of team building exercises. But what actually is laughter yoga and why is it being so popular?
What is laughter yoga?
It is a wellness practice that combines laughing and laughter based exercises with yoga stretches and yogic breathing (pranayama). It was founded in 1995 by Dr Madan Kataria in Mumbai, India, who believes that laughter, or even forced laughter produces numerous physical and psychological health benefits.
During typical laughter yoga sessions the yogi master or happiness facilitator will get individuals to start with a number of breathing exercises to oxygenate the body and the mind. Then they will have a warm-up activity such as clapping, chanting, gentle movement or stretching. Once warmed up and relaxed everyone will be asked to start the laughter exercises and start to induce laughing or fake laugh which often turns into natural laughter, especially when participants are interacting with those around them and making eye contact with one another. Finally the laughter yoga session will end with a cool down and time to relax with controlled breathing exercise and sometimes meditation or quiet time.
What are the benefits of yoga?
There are believed to be numerous benefits of laughter yoga both physically and psychologically even after as little as 10-15 minutes of real laughter or simulated laughter. Here are some of the most commonly reported benefits but as always, remember you may not experience any or all of these as everyone is different and it is always worth consulting a medical doctor if you wish to try to cure or alleviate specific symptoms.
Mental health / emotional wellbeing – It is often used to relieve stress and anxiety. It has been linked to improving mood and reducing depression and lowering the stress hormones
Physical health – It is believed to improve oxygenated blood which in turn helps with circulation, heart health and reducing blood pressure.
Immune system – It has been linked with strengthening the immune response system and improving stress levels
Social benefits – Laughter yoga workshops are a great way to meet new, likeminded people and increase your social network.
Where to try laughter yoga
You can try laughter yoga, or therapeutic laughter, in numerous places across the UK. From pop up events at festivals to workshops in your local community centres and social clubs and even some online sessions via portals like zoom and teams.
If you are looking for specific places to try laughter yoga in London then we recommend the below laughter yoga classes. Check out there websites for full info on how to book and always make sure you are booking sessions with a certified laughter yoga leader..
| Laughter Yoga Wellness (Lady HaHa / London & UK) | Public classes in Angel, Islington |
| Laughter Yoga Wellness — City & Angel Area | Their classes are centrally located in the City of London |
| London Laughter Club (Lady HaHa / Odette “Lady Ha Ha”) | London Archway Usually the 2nd & 4th Saturdays per month at 11am. |
| UnitedMind / Laughter Yoga UK | They run “Laughter Clubs” |
| Satori | Online live laughter yoga sessions |
| Serious Laughter | Zoom laughter yoga sessions (approx 30 minutes), |
Tips if You’re Going to a Laughter Yoga Session
- Wear comfortable clothes; you may move a little, breathe deeply, laugh hard.
- Go with an open mind: some parts may feel a little silly at first, but that’s normal.
- Stay hydrated.
- Check the schedule in advance as sessions may run only weekly / monthly.
- If you have any medical conditions check with your doctor first
So if you fancy trying something new, want to release your inner child and have a good laugh then why not book a session for yourself today.