Hello there, fellow happiness hunters and chuckle champions! Today, we're diving headfirst into the glorious world of Laughter Yoga and mindfulness. I’m a Laughter Yoga Master trainer and all I can say is—buckle up those giggle belts baby because it’s about to get bumpy in the tumpy!
Sure, Reels are fun and TikTok’s got you scrolling, but take a moment to embark on a journey of lasting laughter, not just the millisecond on your phone.
In my in-person sessions we finish with all of us rolling on the floor laughing (literally) and overflowing with Zen-like tranquility as we relax and ground ourselves with a beautiful meditation. Visit my website if you’d like to book a discovery call www.tovekane.com For now, let’s get to the juiciness of joy!
1: Breaking the Ice with a Chuckle Symphony
Picture this: You're standing in a park, surrounded by a group of people, all laughing like hyenas. No, it's not a Lion King convention, where we’re all trying to say, “Mufasa!” it's a Laughter Yoga class! Laughter Yoga, also known as Hasyayoga, combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing exercises. It's like a sitcom without the TV, and trust me, it's as fun as it sounds.
So, why in the name of all things humorous would anyone voluntarily burst into peals of laughter for no reason? Well, it turns out our bodies can't tell the difference between fake laughter and the real deal. The result? Instant mood elevation, reduced stress, and a face that could light up a room!
2: Laugh, Breathe, Repeat
In Laughter Yoga, you take a deep breath and laugh it out. You let out a hearty guffaw that starts as a deliberate, “haaaa haaaa haaaa,” chuckle but often ends up as a genuine belly laugh, “Kwaaaa haaaa haaaaaa!!! It's a little like faking it until you make it, but in this case, you're making happiness.
Here's the deal: Laughter triggers the release of endorphins (the feel-good hormones) and reduces cortisol (the stress hormone). It's like a free, non-prescription happiness pill without contra-indications! Plus, it's an incredible ab workout. Who needs crunches when you can laugh your way to a six-pack?
3: Mindful Mirthfulness
Laughter Yoga isn't just about cracking up; it's a gateway to mindfulness. While you're chuckling like a maniac, you're in the present moment, fully aware of the joy bubbling within you. It's like a super express train to the mindfulness station.
Mindfulness, my dear chuckle cherub, is all about being present, non-judgmental, and fully aware of the here and now. And what better way to achieve that than through laughter? It's nearly impossible to dwell on your to-do list when you're busy snorting like a piglet. The past? Forget about it. Well, you do forget about it while you’re laughing. Plus, it’s not like you can laugh tomorrow, right? May as well laugh right now. And since we are volunteering, we don’t have to wait till we’re in the mood, we just start. In fact, it’s the perfect way to lift your mood, especially if you don’t want to laugh, is—you guessed it: to LAUGH ha ha ha!
4: Strategies for a Resilient Mindset
Okay, so we've established that laughter and mindfulness are your new dynamic duo for well-being. But what if you can't join a Laughter Yoga class right away? Fear not, here are some strategies to cultivate that positive, resilient mindset right now:
1. Start Your Day with a Grin and Tonic:
Begin your day with a smile, even if you feel self-conscious. Just pop that smile on your dial and look in the mirror. Imagine saying, “Cheers,” to your reflection. Even better—go ahead and actually say it and then smile and laugh ha ha ha. It sets the tone for a day filled with positivity.
2. Gratitude Journal:
Write down three things you're grateful for every day. It shifts your focus from what's lacking to what's abundant in your life. I like to add, “Ha ha ha ha” at the end of each item. The gratitude and the laughter help me feel light. Sometimes I write, “Thank you hu hu huuuuu.”
3. Deep Breathing:
Take slow, deep breaths throughout the day. It calms your nervous system and clears your mind.The secret is to make the exhale twice as long as the inhale. So inhale as deeply as you can, but count (mentally) as you go. Then pause. As you exhale double the count. So if you inhaled for the count of four, exhale for the count of eight. Sometimes when I’m still in the pause after the inhale, I get a little giggle and then I have to laugh off the rest of the count. Heeeeeeee bwaaaaa haaaaaaaaa.
4. Mindful Moments:
Pause and savour simple pleasures—a sip of tea, the warmth of the sun, or the sound of birdsong. You found the TV remote and decided not to use it. You actually drank that tea when it was warm rather than letting it get cold on your desk.
5. Laugh at Yourself:
Embrace your quirks and mishaps with a good-natured chuckle. Life is too short to take it too seriously! Put your shoes on too soon after a pedicure? Bwaaaaa haaaa. Spill on your new blouse? Heeee heeeeeee. No signal? Haaaaaa haaa. Can’t find that document you know you saved? Haaaaa haaaa. Got the time wrong and arrived at the store as they rolled the shutter down? Teeee heeeeee.
5: Embracing Your Inner Laugh Guru
In conclusion, laughter is the universal language of joy, and Laughter Yoga is your passport to an eternal vacation in the land of laughter. Remember, you don't need a reason to laugh; just let it out and watch the magic happen. We should take our laughter seriously and ourselves a little less so!
Let's raise a toast (of water, of course, we're health-conscious, unless you want another grin and tonic) to a life filled with laughter, mindfulness, and a mindset so resilient that not even a stubborn pickle jar can stand in your way. Go forth, dear reader, and laugh like nobody's watching—you've got the world's best medicine at your disposal! 🤣😂😄