Laughter yoga: laugh for no reason
What is laughter yoga? Does laughter yoga really help decrease stress and worry? How to do laughter yoga?
Laughter yoga is a new form of yoga that is found in 66 countries around the world. It is based on breathing and laughter exercises that will let anyone laugh without having a reason to do so, how nice is that?
Laughter yoga started in India by a physician called Madan Kataria in 1995. He wrote an article on how laughter is the best method to relieve stress and anxiety from our lives, so he went down to his garden and gathered four people around him and started telling each other jokes and short, funny stories. However, after ten days, they realized that they ran out of jokes, so they stopped laughing.
Then Madan Kataria told his friends to give him a few days to come up with a new way to laugh without any reason. In other words, his goal was to create something so they can laugh without relying on funny jokes and comedy.
He then got inspired by the small and young children as they tend to play and laugh simultaneously. Then he said, “why not create a club so we can laugh without a reason and start playing like the young children and laugh?” Isn’t this wonderful?
Benefits of laughter yoga
- Improved energy
- Relaxed muscles
- Clear state of mind
- Improved self esteem
- Improved immune system
- Strengthened heart
- Increased production of endorphins
Principles in laughter yoga
1. Breathing and stretching
Most of us are aware that when we are stressed and anxious, our breathing tends to be shallow and we stop breathing in an efficient matter, which in the long turn, it will cause many illnesses. When you practice laughter yoga, you will learn how to breathe correctly, how to inhale and exhale more efficiently.
Relax your shoulders and bend down slowly trying to reach the floor, then go back up and stretch your arms up high while taking a deep breath. Repeat this process a few times.
2. Childish behavior
Yoga laughter contains childish behavior where you start saying something like “ho ho ha ha ha” while clapping at the same time. Make sure when you clap, to put your fingers together and your hands stuck to each other because in the middle of your hands, you have points that will increase your energy according to Madan Kataria.
3. Laughter exercises
Laughter exercises are designed to improve your playfulness and bring you to a child-like state. Exercises can be anything from behaving like your favorite animal to imagining that you are getting an electric shock when you shake someone’s hand. As you and the other participants in the group giggle and laugh, you will begin to loosen up and stress begins to diminish.
The good news about it is that the body doesn’t differentiate between real and fake laughter, so when you laugh, you are getting the same health benefits.
Once you incorporate laughter yoga in your day, it will become a way of life. It will boost and improve your immune system, enhances your happiness, and you will begin to experience more fun in your day, which in return, will help you overcome your excessive stress, worry, and anxiety.
Try laughter yoga and you will begin to feel that your laughter has turned to its natural state like when you were a child. When you laugh, you are doing a good deed, not only for yourself, but for others as well. Remember, you deserve to laugh and be happy. 
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Hi DIa,
I’ve heard of Laughter Yoga and have been curious about it. The benefits to your health make sense and it sounds fun. We can enjoy life when we think like a child from time to time. Thanks for sharing.
Cathy | Treatment Talk recently posted..Zen Mama: Letting Go Leads to Happiness
Thanks for bringing us this idea Dia.
I know when I laugh, and even when I laugh for no good reason, I feel less anxious, happier and have more energy.
Laughter is indeed the best medicine!
Alex
Hi Dia,
Laughter is wonderful. It makes one feel so alive. I have never tried the Yogo laughter, but have laughter for no reason. My young’s daughter and i used to do this every evening. Many evenings hubby and I will be sitting there and just start laughing, just for the fun of it. Makes for a much better and relaxed evening.
Thank you for sharing more with me when it comes to yogo laughter. Love it.
Blessing to you,
Debbie
Debbie @ Happy Maker recently posted..The Zen of Friendship in your Relationship
Hi Dia,
I have not tried Laughter Yoga, but indeed it makes perfect sense. It simply points us to the Ultimate Understanding that Human beings are rich and majestic children of Infinite Intelligence. We are marvelously made, and destined to win at whatever we set our minds to. We are also worthy all that is good and beautiful. Laughing is an exultant state that connects direct to this feeeling!
rob white recently posted..Atomic Action in Action – It’s Happening…
This sounds awesome Dia and right up my alley.
Justin Mazza recently posted..Life – The Sum of Your Choices
You gotta laugh Dia,
…..and laughing for no particular reason at all, is even better. Improved health, exercise, attitude adjustment…..it has to be good. Thankyou.
be good to yourself
David
David Stevens recently posted..To Love what you do…..Become your own Guru
Hi Dia,
This reminded me of the yoga class I go to at a local Hindu temple. During the class there is a part where the instructor gets us all to laugh deliriously for a few minutes while walking around and looking at each other.
Hiten Vyas recently posted..Stuttering Hub connects with 2achieveyourgoals.com
Hi Dia,
I’m a friend of Adrienne Smith’s and noticed your blog because of her CommentLuv section!
I love the idea of laughter yoga. I hadn’t heard an idea quite like this before, but do believe that this is a fun and effective way to FEEL GOOD!
Great stuff!!
Cat Alexandra
Cat Alexandra @ Internet Marketing Success recently posted..Laminine Review – Don’t try Laminine til you read this review…
Thank you all for your comments and support
Dia recently posted..Laughter yoga: laugh for no reason
I’ve never heard of this Dia! Now this is just too cool.
I have laughter in my day pretty much every day. The good thing is we can head over to YouTube and pull up a funny video and that will do the trick without having to practice laughter. I know that always gets me going.
I totally agree with the benefits of laughter because as you probably can tell, I do quite a bit of this myself. It’s just darn good for the soul.
I love that Madan saw a need for this hence this yoga exercise was born. Now there really is no excuse right!
As always, thanks for sharing this Dia.
Adrienne recently posted..How Bloggers and Content Marketers Can Generate Unlimited Video Ideas
I love the idea of laughter yoga- combining two of my favorite activities!
Laughter yoga reminds me of my all time favorite yoga exercise- the breath of joy. Breath of joy brings a huge smile to my face, and often a little laughter, too.
Thanks for inspiring me to add a little more laughter to my day, and my yoga practice!
Chrysta
Chrysta Bairre recently posted..How to Have an Awesome Conference Experience!
I’m going to have to try this! I often do silly things during the day like a child because it makes me feel good, and I often laugh because of it. But in a group setting? I’m not sure how I would feel. I think it would be something to break out of your comfort zone and shell and just let loose!
Bellaisa recently posted..Should I Invite My Ex to My Wedding?
Dia, thank you so much for spreading the news about laughter yoga. I am a certified laughter yoga teacher in RI, USA. Anyone who is interested in becoming a laughter yoga leader can contact a certified teacher and attend a two-day seminar and then go out and lead their own classes. I urge your readers to look into it. It has changed my life and the very dynamic of my family. Visit Dr. K’s website at http://www.laughteryoga.org to find a class or a seminar. Keep laughing, everyone!!! – Mary McDonald, Laughter Hours
Hi Dia,
Laughter as yoga,I never tried this but I am familiar with its result. Now I am thinking about to do this.
thanks for this nice post.
I am also regular performer of Yoga. Yoga helps in physical and mental fitness. Yoga connects body with mind. Thanks for sharing benefits of Laughter Yoga.