Laughter Yoga – it’s no joke!
Laughter yoga instructor, Helen Fong
We’ve all heard the age-old expression “laughter is the best medicine.” But did you know there is actual science behind that statement?
Laughter releases neurochemicals, known as endorphins, into our brain cells. Endorphins are the same chemicals that are released when runners experience a “runner’s high.” Given the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic, it’s fair to say we could all use a mood booster.
If you’re looking to change your routine and try something new, give laughter yoga a try. It’s versatile and can be easily done virtually and outside. It combines the physical and emotional benefits of laughter with the benefits of yoga. No joke—it’s a real thing!
What is laughter yoga?
Laughter yoga combines the breathing techniques of yoga (pranayama) with vocal and physical prompts to induce laughter. It’s accessible to all.
“A laughter yoga session is typically a group activity,” says Helen Fong, a Halifax-based clinical researcher and certified yoga teacher with advanced training in meditation and asana yoga. “It begins with deep breathing, followed by clapping and chanting, which sounds like ‘ho-ho-ha-ha-ha,’ and child-like play, by saying things like: ‘very good, very good, yay!’”
Miss Fong, who works in clinical research at the Department of Radiation Oncology at Nova Scotia Health, has been practising yoga since 1998. She was introduced to yoga when she was recovering from a motor vehicle accident. “Living yoga on and off the mat is my passion and profession,” she says. She holds certifications in hatha vinyasa, yin, pre-/post-natal and laughter yoga.
Miss Fong was first introduced to laughter yoga in 2009 by Satpal Sodhi, a yoga teacher from India who is based in Halifax. She was intrigued by the novel approach and was hooked immediately. In 2012, Miss Fong started a laughter yoga club at the Keshen Goodman Library in Halifax. Many of her current students are seniors and a few reside in retirement living facilities. Miss Fong says, “Laughter yoga has been a positive influence on their emotional and mental health.”
During a session, participants experience the true joy that laughter brings. “Remarkably, the brain can’t tell the difference between real or made-up laughter,” says Miss Fong. At the end of each class, she helps participants diffuse the giggles by calming their nervous systems through guided meditation or humming, which help restore the body’s balance. Participants leave the sessions feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Accessible for all
Miss Fong stresses that laughter yoga is accessible and says classes can be done exclusively while sitting in a chair with lots of arm movements or while standing with movements that include dancing, walking and jumping. It’s important to find a class that’s right for you. “My laughter yoga sessions generally start in a chair and those participating can either stay in a chair the entire session or have the option to stand or move about the room,” she says.
Up for a challenge?
Miss Fong encourages her students to laugh every day. “I give them techniques they can use for a laughter challenge, which includes at least 10 minutes of laughter daily for 40 days.” Although Miss Fong says laughter yoga is best done in a group of more than three people, it can also be done alone.
What’s so funny?
You might be wondering if you can fake it till you make it. In short, yes. Miss Fong describes an unlikely place to induce laughter: a celebration of life. A student hired her to lead his grieving family through a laughter yoga session. “There were three generations of his family present, and it was one of the most challenging yet rewarding sessions I've ever led. One of the family members said that she felt genuine laughter when she didn't think she had it in her. I will always remember that afternoon of laughter, tears, music, family and connection. Laughter yoga helped so many on that difficult day to process all their grief.”
During the throes of the pandemic, virtual laughter yoga sessions have been a lifeline for Miss Fong, keeping her socially connected when she could not see her students in person. For those who’ve been struggling with mental health issues wrought by the pandemic, laughter yoga could provide some relief. Miss Fong says, “One of the many benefits of laughter yoga is that it maintains emotional balance.”
For the fun of it
Miss Fong shares her thoughts for people who want to know more about starting a laughter yoga practice:
Just like any asana yoga class, it is important to find the right instructor for you. Find a qualified laughter yoga instructor who is certified by the Laughter Yoga University.
Find a laughter yoga club near you at a local library or online. Since the beginning of the pandemic, online laughter yoga clubs have grown exponentially.
As of 2021, Miss Fong currently offers a monthly virtual laughter yoga club every second Saturday, and monthly outdoor laughter yoga at the Keshen Goodman library.
Laughter yoga is not for everyone. It’s OK to try it and then realize there’s a different activity you would rather do to be active and connect with others. Please stay social, stay safe and keep moving!
If you’d like to learn more about Helen Fong’s laughter yoga classes, visit her website and her YouTube channel, which hosts many yoga videos to get you started. To learn more about global virtual laughter clubs, visit this link.
Disclaimer: The above should not be considered medical advice, nor has it been endorsed by a medical professional. Any time you embark upon a new wellness regimen, having a conversation with your family physician is the best place to start
yoga • movement • healthy tomorrow • laughter • covid • health • wellness