Laughter yoga

Improved Learning – Laughing supports and improves brain development. Laughter connects both hemispheres and builds new neural connections and pathways. No matter how old we are, laughter improves learning outcomes by sending and increasing positive reinforcement to the brain. Improved Behaviour – When children and young adults are less stressed, less anxious, and able to be and stay calm, their ability to make friends and deal with challenges improves. Learning how to laugh in spite of what has or is happening – a specific Laughter Yoga technique – helps build resilience, confidence and improves communication skills. Improved Self-esteem – Confident people laugh. They laugh easily, often without an obvious trigger, showing joy and happiness that they are willing to share with others. Laughter Yoga teaches people how to become more confident and build their self-esteem through eye contact and shared laughter. Improved Social Intelligence – Regular use of devices and social media can result in children becoming isolated and less able to understand social cues such as facial and or body language. Through Laughter Yoga, with its emphasis on childlike play, eye contact, clapping and chanting, children and young adults develop a better understanding of body language, facial and audible skills.

For some seniors, one of their biggest stressors comes with retirement. When the routine and structure of the workplace is no longer there, those who have not actively planned for their retirement may experience feelings of loss, grief, and a sense of an unknown future. This can often lead to sadness, depression and frustration and can be the beginning of serious mental and physical health problems.



Laughter Yoga is a low-impact aerobic exercise program, proven to reduce depression and generate positivity in all age groups. The laughter exercises, yoga breathing, clapping, and chanting, result in the brain releasing neurochemicals including dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins, and melatonin. This natural and very powerful combination results in immediate positive mood changes where people become more relaxed, happier and their stress levels decrease significantly.

The social benefits of Laughter Yoga extend well beyond this immediate physical and mental wellbeing response. Through shared laughter and happiness, feelings of loneliness and isolation decrease as Laughter Yoga sessions help people become more confident, outgoing, and positive.

Through the deep (diaphragmatic) breathing of Laughter Yoga exercises, the immune system is boosted becoming more efficient. Similarly, lung capacity increases as more oxygen is pumped through the body and into the brain, supporting improved physical health and wellbeing. Laughter’s exhalation has been proven to remove stale air from the lower lungs, releasing stored toxins.

Laughter Yoga helps seniors relax into their retirement while ensuring they remain active, confident members of their community. This means they will continue to be positive role models for their families and all others around them.

“You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.” – George Bernard Shaw.

Laughter Yoga is a valuable activity for people with disabilities. In Australia, more than four million people have some form of disability – that’s about one in every five people.

While some disabilities are apparent, others are not. Some disabilities may be life long, others may have been acquired during life’s journey.

Disabilities can and often will affect physical, emotional, and mental health and wellbeing.

Laughter Yoga has always been an inclusive exercise or activity. Because Laughter Yoga can easily be done seated – and I always provide chairs for my sessions – anyone can do Laughter Yoga whether they’re standing, sitting, in a wheelchair, using a walking frame or with some form of mobile support. And this builds confidence, self-esteem, and social connection.

Importantly, the benefits of Laughter Yoga apply to people with disabilities. This is because there really is no wrong way to laugh. While our laughter might not be genuine at the start of a session, it usually becomes real, contagious, and fun.

Laughter Yoga bypasses the brain’s understanding of humour and what is or isn’t funny for each one of us. Our body’s physical response to the initial fake or manufactured laughter triggers the brain into releasing very powerful hormones that leave us feeling good and can last up to 14 days after the Laughter Yoga session.

Other benefits people with disabilities get from Laughter Yoga include:

  • Relaxed body and mind after the deep, diaphragmatic yoga breathing,
  • Increased social connection from laughing with others,
  • A positive mood and decreased negativity,
  • Increased feelings of joy and happiness, and
  • An ability to laugh more and laugh more spontaneously and genuinely.

To organise a Laughter Yoga session for your disability group or organisation, contact Nerelie for details.