Joyful Wellness

Laughter Yoga, founded by Dr. Madan Kataria in 1995, is a unique practice that combines laughter exercises with yogic breathing (Pranayama). It’s rooted in the idea that voluntary laughter provides the same physiological and psychological benefits as spontaneous laughter. Through this blend of movement, breathwork, and laughter, you can tap into the joy frequency, improve your mood, and build greater connection with others. Laughter Therapy, meanwhile, focuses more on the therapeutic use of humour and laughter to aid emotional and psychological healing.

The beauty of Laughter Yoga lies in the science behind it. When you laugh, your body releases endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals. These help reduce stress, boost the immune system, and simply put... can make you feel good. Laughter also reduces the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, leading to more calm and clarity. Over time, regular participation in laughter-based practices  increases resilience to life’s ups and downs. This might look like watching some comedy, sharing jokes with friends, watching funny animal videos, or attending a session like what I offer to assist.

A typical Laughter Yoga session begins with gentle warm-ups— maybe some simple stretching, clapping, and deep breathing—to prepare the body. Then, the laughter exercises begin. These exercises are designed to make you laugh voluntarily, and can sometimes use playful scenarios to get everyone going. The brain can't tell if it is real or fake... it just recognises what is happening in the body. Gradually, the laughter becomes contagious and spontaneous. The session wraps up with a calming period of deep breathing and relaxation, and depending on the vibe, I like to finish off with a light meditation so you can absorb the benefits of the practice. Practise, because that's what all we do is, practise. And overtime, it comes easier and with more flow.

The origins of Laughter Therapy are deeply intertwined with humour-based approaches used by psychiatrists and therapists to aid recovery from illness or emotional hardship. Humour has long been known as a powerful coping mechanism, and when used consciously, it can relieve anxiety, reduce tension, and encourage a more optimistic outlook on life. Personally, I use humour in my day to day. It is not used to bypass, but to highlight the weird thing it is to exist sometimes, and the challenges that come with it, but also the lessons that come through too. It helps me to be able to see the brighter side, and perhaps not take some things too personally or too seriously in a way that is beneficial. It’s not just about "having a laugh," but rather learning to use laughter as a tool for healing, perspective-shifting, and boosting mental clarity.

The value of laughter practices, whether through Yoga or Therapy, is in the simplicity and accessibility. You don’t need special equipment, and anyone can do it—no previous yoga experience or a sense of humour required! This makes it a versatile and powerful practice, not just for those seeking personal wellness, but also for groups looking to bond, relieve stress, and create shared joy. With everything going on in the world, I feel it is more important than ever to tap into these types of spaces whilst they are available. I hope this brief explanation has ignited some curiosity, enough that you will reach out to me and join this deliberate effort in deliberate joy.