Why You Need More Laughter Yoga

Let’s face it: life is stressful. We usually know how to cope (exercising, taking a social media break, etc.) but it’s easy to fall into a rut and let our stress consume us. The next time you’re stressed out and need a release, try taking a different approach. When was the last time you scheduled a laugh? The concept may seem bizarre, but “laughter yoga” is a way to simultaneously bring joy and relaxation into your life. Developed by a medical doctor in India, laughter yoga has now spread across one hundred countries.

How to do Laughter Yoga

  1. Think of something that makes you smile
  2. Clap your hands in front of the heart chakra
  3. Focus on your stomach and laugh with a “ho, ho” sound
  4. Focus on your chest and laugh with a “ha, ha” sound
  5. Lay your hands on your head and laugh with a “he, he” sound
  6. Do the “laughing wave” by facing your hands and body to the ground, then send your hands and arms upward toward the sky and laugh with a “ha, ha, ha” sound
  7. Repeat step 6 several times
  8. At the end of your session, sing the mantra “Om” for one minute or until you are calm

Benefits of Laughter Yoga

  1. Decreased blood pressure
  2. Decreased stress levels (cortisol)
  3. Increased positive thoughts
  4. Increased positive attitude during challenging times
  5. Increased energy
  6. Improved quality of life
  7. Improved relationships with others
  8. Better mood, more laughter

So, next time you’re feeling the weight of the world, give laughter yoga a try.