Laughter is contagious; infectious it can spread around a room quicker than any cold or flu but unlike a cold or flu virus it can have an incredibly powerful, positive impact. As more and more research is carried out on the benefits of laughter we can begin to recognise scientifically what we have known unconsciously for millennia, laughter really is good for the mind, body and soul.
Now we’re really talking about the act of laughter rather than humour. We know that the two are not mutually exclusive, but humour relies on a cognitive component. No, we’re looking at the act of Laughter. The physical guffaw, giggle or chuckle. There is a commonality to the act and sound of laughter across cultures and even species (monkeys laugh!). Laughter is in the main a shared experience we are connecting with others as Professor Robert Provine suggests an essential ingredient to laughter is not in fact humour but another person; someone to link with, to share that experience. Laughter has been shown to have a number of physiological, psychological and social benefits to the individual:
aughter releases endorphins - the feel good factor
It’s also been shown that a good belly laugh can relieve pain. Norman Cousins felt that during his illness after a good laugh he would be pain free for longer than without the laughter
cts as aerobic exercise and is like internal jogging
A really good belly laugh acts as a mini work out! It works the diaphragm, the abdominal muscles and moves the shoulders. Laughing a 100 times is the equivalent to 10 minutes on a rowing machine or 15 minutes on an exercise bike. In a Totally Laughter Yoga session we also add in some movement and gentle stretching
nleashes inhibitions and breaks down barriers
When we laugh we lose a little control, we share part of ourselves with those around us and therefore begin to know one another a little better.
enerates better communication and team building
Laughter helps us connect with those around us. The more we connect with people the better our relationships with those people are.
elps boosts the immune system
There is some research to suggest that laughter can boost the number of antibody producing T cells, boosting the immune system making it less likely that you’ll get coughs and colds
ones muscles, improves respiration and circulation
Laughter has been shown to help blood flow around the body protecting the heart and reducing the risk of heart disease. Research suggests that 15 minutes of laughter a day is as important as 30 minutes of exercise 3 times a week.
ncourages positive thinking and creativity
Laughter lifts the mood. Evidence suggests that engagement in Laughter Yoga sessions has help people with mental health problems such as depression and improve the positivity of stroke victims. The more positive we feel the more able we are to think constructively about the problems that we face.
elaxes the whole body and reduces stress and tension
Laughter has been shown to reduce Cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. By reducing the levels of Cortisol in the blood stream people feel less stressed and free from tension.
How Laughter Yoga can help your business
Two studies have highlighted significant findings for businesses. The first carried out in 2006 with IT professionals in Bangalore, India involved Laughter Yoga sessions being joined by 100 participants with a further 100 acting as a control group. The results were very positive in the Laughter Yoga group. Cortisol levels were significantly reduced as were heart rates and blood pressures. Percieved stress was also lower and negative emotions had dropped by 27% and interestingly Alexithymia, the inability to express emotions through words dropped indicating improvement in emotional intelligence. The second study by Beckman, Regier and Young 2007 explored the use of Laughter Yoga in improving personal efficacy in the workplace. According to Bandura (1986) this is the ability to organise and carryout activities in order to achieve a goal or manage a situation. The results showed that Laughter Yoga had a significant, positive impact of personal efficacy in all areas:
The study also highlighted the long term enduring impact that engaging in a series of Laughter Yoga exercises had. In follow up interviews and assessments significant improvements in all areas remained.
Laughter Yoga can also support and encourage group cohesiveness through:
We are able to offer a range of courses, seminar and events based around Laughter Yoga to both adults and young people including:
Experiential seminars that include the following:
What will participants gain from the courses?
Laughter Yoga, whilst grounded in scientific and evidence based practice, is not about theory; it is an experiential program and the participants will gain the following:
We are able to tailor make the Laughter Yoga session to meet your needs and the time frames you have. The Laughter Yoga session can provide an excellent introduction to wider team events or training days or even be established as a regular Laughter Yoga club.
Please CONTACT US if you wish to book this course, need any further assistance or information associated with this course.