Laughter Yoga Session

Event Recap

On May 29th, from 1 pm to 2 pm, Smart D8, in collaboration with Simone Meschnig, Laughter Yoga Leader, Sound Healing Practitioner, and Meditation & Yoga Teacher, hosted the ‘Laughter Yoga’ session. Held in iD8 at The Digital Depot, this event marked the sixth workshop dedicated to Mental Health Awareness Month.

Workshop Highlights

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Laughter Yoga combines three powerful elements:

  1. Laughter and Playfulness
  2. Yogic Breathwork
  3. Mindfulness Meditation

Laughter Yoga uniquely blends unconditional laughter exercises with yogic breathing, without relying on jokes or humor. The practice is based on the idea that the body doesn’t distinguish between real and simulated laughter, resulting in increased oxygen intake and enhanced energy and health. As a powerful cardio workout, Laughter Yoga stimulates physical exercise through laughter while maintaining eye contact with others, promoting genuine playfulness. This often leads to real, contagious laughter, bypassing intellectual barriers that usually inhibit natural laughter.

Method

Laughter Yoga sessions begin with gentle warm-up techniques such as stretching and body movements to break down inhibitions and encourage playfulness. Breathing exercises prepare the lungs for laughter, followed by a series of laughter exercises that combine acting and visualization techniques with playful interactions. These exercises, supported by the social dynamics of group behaviour, lead to prolonged hearty laughter. A typical session concludes with laughter meditation and deep relaxation, leaving participants refreshed and rejuvenated.

Benefits 

Participating in Laughter Yoga offers numerous benefits:

  • Increased Oxygen and Endorphins: boosts feel-good hormones in the body;
  • Stronger Immune System: enhances overall physical health;
  • Reduced Stress: eases physical, mental, and emotional tension;
  • Pain Relief: helps alleviate pain and discomfort;
  • Lower Blood Sugar Levels: contributes to better health management;
  • Natural Antidepressant Effects: releases endorphins and serotonin, mimicking the effects of some antidepressants;
  • Mental Clarity and Creativity: promotes a clearer, more creative mind;
  • Emotional Catharsis: provides a powerful experience of emotional release and joyfulness that can last for days;
  • Positive Mental Attitude: develops resilience and positivity to navigate challenging times;
  • Spiritual Connection: encourages self-awareness and spiritual growth;
  • Fostering Compassion: cultivates forgiveness, generosity, and a desire to seek the happiness of others.

Workshop Goals

This Laughter Yoga session connected people at a heart level, free from judgment, embodying the true spirit of yoga. Participants engaged in gentle stretches, giggles, and laughter exercises, making new connections and leaving the class feeling lighter and more energized.

To watch the video showcasing the best moments from the ‘Laughter Yoga’ session, please visit this link: https://vimeo.com/952020304?share=copy