Laughter Yoga With Neidra
HAMASTE

the laughter and joy in me
honors the laughter and joy in you

Laughter Yoga is a low impact exercise program combining simulated laughter (which quickly becomes genuine laughter) and yogic breathing (pranayama). Playfulness, childlike behavior, creativity, affirmations, and visualizations for Peace (on earth and within ourselves) are utilized during a Laughter Yoga class. Researched and published studies show that whether laughter is “real” or “pretend,” we benefit physically, emotionally, and physiologically. The mission of Laughter Yoga is, “Health, Joy, and World Peace through Laughter.” All ages, genders, and mobility abilities are welcome at Laughter Yoga With Neidra classes!

Laughter Yoga History 

Hasya Yoga, known as Laughter Yoga, was founded in March, 1995, by a family medical doctor in Mumbai, India. Dr. Madan Kataria, now also known as The Laughter Guru, was writing an article on the benefits of laughter and decided to start a laughter club. A small group of people met and told jokes, laughing for the first two weeks … until they ran out of jokes. Dr. Kataria went home seeking a solution. He found research showing that the body cannot tell the difference between pretend-laughter and real laughter! Returning to his laughter club at the park, he shared that everyone can “laugh for no reason” since the body would still benefit. Playfulness and childlike behavior, rather than making fun at something or somebody, bring out our laughter and we benefit from it!

Like music, laughter is universal with no language or cultural barriers. The mission of Laughter Yoga International is a global movement for health, happiness, and world peace through laughter. The formula is simple. If people are happy and healthy, they will contribute to world peace! Because peace inside is peace outside.

Benefits of Laughter Yoga 

Let’s get right to the health benefits of Laughter Yoga so you can be aware of these immediately! If you are interested in reading research publications about laughter and Laughter Yoga, please contact Neidra. I am happy to empower you with education! Benefits include: 

• relieves stress
• decreases depression, anxiety, negativity
• increases sense of joyfulness and improves mental health
• strengthens the immune system
• boosts T-cells
• lowers blood pressure
• increases oxygen to the body and brain
• improves circulation and cardiac health by delivering a powerful cardiovascular workout
• decreases loneliness by building social bonds
• releases endorphins and improves general sense of wellbeing
• decreases cortisol and other stress hormones
• improves digestion
• promotes better sleep
• relaxes muscles throughout the body

Further below you will see some testimonials from Laughter Yoga With Neidra students so you can witness those (a few of a hundred) personal experiences. Come join a class and feel the benefits yourself!

While researchers have been slow in developing treatments that will prevent or slow the progression of dementia at large, they have made some interesting discoveries resulting in recommendations that can be put in place at any age. Essentially, they say to “use it or lose it.” The key to growing a better brain is to look for new challenges because learning stimulates rapid growth in the connections in the brain, creating a surplus of brain tissue that can compensate for cells damaged by disease. Playing, laughing and being active while accepting new challenges do just that.

I work in a variety of ways with our elders, and their caregivers, so frequently check for age-related research and supportive articles. Laughter has a wide range of known benefits which aid in dementia prevention (for example): eases anxiety and fear; activates happy feelings; heart disease prevention; increases and improves social interactions, bonding; lowers stress hormones; lowers blood sugar levels; opens inner cellular pharmacy, strengthens all immune functions; and opens lungs. People who live with Alzheimer’s and related types of dementia can suffer from confusion, frustration and depression. These strong emotions can bring anything from negative feelings to anxiety, which can often lead to behavioral problems and even aggression. Laughter can help alleviate some of these symptoms, improving the quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s, by: allowing them to redirect negative emotion; improving social interactions; easing symptoms of depression; tempering signs of aggression; and reducing stress.

The sacrifices caregivers make are great, and range from less time for family and friends and lost income due to missed work, to failing to take care of themselves. Laughter helps caregivers by: allowing them to enjoy the moment (laughter is fun); easing tension and lightening the mood; breaking the cycle of psychological negativity; relieving stress; promoting mental health; providing a simple and valid form of cardio-vascular exercise; strengthening family relationships; and strengthening the immune system so caregivers can stay healthy.

My Laughter Story

Since 1995, friends have called me a “Goddess of Laughter.” I love to laugh! Interestingly, 1995 was also the year Laughter Yoga was developed in India! While at a conference in 2011, we took a break and were treated to a group activity of guided techniques involving laughter. It brought us back ‘to center’ in a wonderfully relaxing yet energizing way and we, as a group, bonded even more deeply. Years later, remembering how positive those laughter exercises made everyone feel, I sought formal training from Laughter Yoga University so I could share with others this natural, easy, healing approach. I have been a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader for six years (April 2015) and love sharing with my community the numerous health benefits of laughing! To remain updated on the newest Laughter Yoga exercises and research articles, I am a member of Laughter Yoga International and have attended the Southern Fried Laughter Conference. Laughter Yoga With Neidra classes have been taught at multiple yoga studios and health centers in many NC counties, both senior centers in Orange County, and numerous private gatherings around the state. Having listened to hundreds of students share exuberant, health-positive reactions during and after classes, I have made sure to extend education to the general public about Laughter Yoga at various wellness fairs. Referred to as the “local laughter expert,” I was invited to be the featured speaker at the Chapel Hill Seymour Center after a group viewing of Sophie Scott’s TED Talk, “Why We Laugh.” (that link is on the Resource page) It tickles me to this day that, during a break at my End Of Life Doula training, I was asked to share a Laughter Yoga mini-session with 60 of my student-companions!

Testimonials for Laughter Yoga With Neidra

All ages, genders, and mobility abilities are welcome! Please join us for Laughter, Healing, and Creating World Peace!

Normally held in central NC, but due to the pandemic, in-person Laughter Yoga With Neidra classes are temporarily paused. Once pandemic safety protocols have been lifted, and you are interested in classes or private events, please contact Neidra for a schedule. Private classes are available for individuals (e.g. singers, performers) and groups (e.g. birthdays, celebrations), as well as for businesses (e.g. employee wellness days, retreats).