Laughter Yoga – A Complete Exercise For Health And Happiness
Laughter Yoga is a powerful exercise routine for complete body-mind wellness. The revolutionary idea is the brainchild of Dr. Madan Kataria, an Indian physician from Mumbai who started the first Laughter Club in a park on 13th March 1995, with just 5 people. Today, it has become a worldwide phenomenon with thousands of Laughter Clubs in over 70 countries.
Laughter Yoga combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing (Pranayama). Anyone can laugh for no reason, without relying on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter is simulated as an exercise in a group but with eye contact and childlike playfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter. The whole concept is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. One gets the same physiological and psychological benefits.
Three Reasons For Laughter Yoga
1. In order to get scientifically proven health benefits of laughter, we need to laugh continuously for at least for 10 to 15 minutes. Natural laughter comes for few seconds and is not enough to bring about any physiological and biochemical changes. But, in Laughter Yoga we do laughter as an exercise, which helps us prolong laughter as long as we want.
2. To reap the health benefits of laughter, laughter has to be loud and deep coming from the diaphragm. It should be a belly laugh. Laughter Clubs provide a safe environment where one can laugh loudly and heartily without any social implication.
3. Natural laughter that courses through our life depends upon many reasons and conditions, but there are not many reasons which make us laugh. In a Laughter Club we do not leave laughter to a chance; we do it out of commitment. This is a guaranteed way of getting the health benefits of laughter.
Five Benefits of Laughter Yoga
1. Health Benefits
People come regularly to Laughter Clubs because it helps them to stay fit and not fall sick easily. Laughter Yoga is a powerful cardio workout and just 10 minutes of hearty laughter is equal to 30 minutes on a rowing machine. It increases blood circulation, relaxes the muscles, alleviates depression, reduces blood pressure, symptoms of allergies, asthma, arthritis and helps in chronic illnesses like cancer. It is a single exercise which reduces physical, mental and emotional stress simultaneously and brings an emotional balance. People can feel the benefits from the very first session.
2. Personal Life
Your mood states determine the quality of your life. Laughter Yoga has the power to change your mood within minutes by releasing endorphins. If your mood is good, you feel good within and will remain cheerful throughout the day. It also helps develop a sense of humor and a positive outlook towards life.
3. Business Life
Laughter Yoga is most economical, less time consuming and scientifically proven technique to reduce stress in the workplace. It increases the net supply of oxygen which helps in optimal performance and one feels energized throughout the day. It creates a happy and motivated workforce which includes a strong team building element. It enhances self confidence, creativity, communication skills and attention span.
4. Social Life
Laughter is a powerful tool to connect with people easily and it provides a rich social network of people who care about one another. This results in a sense of emotional security which resists stress and helps to fight depression - the number one sickness today.
5. Laughing In The Face Of Challenges
In times of difficulty, it is not easy to remain calm. With Laughter Yoga one can learn to handle any situation effectively without losing their composure. It helps you maintain a positive mental attitude so that you can cope with any negative situation.
Join the growing movement and maximize living and loving your life!
Check out laughteryoga.org to find a free club near you or start a laughter club with your friends, family or loved ones!