Laughing yoga is a popular movement and breathing exercise that aims to cultivate joy, bring out your inner child, and help you let go of daily life stressors.

Considering that laughter is contagious, it’s no surprise that laughing yoga has grown from one small group in Mumbai, India to over 5,000 clubs worldwide. Though advocates claim it relieves stress and reduces your risk of chronic disease, you may wonder whether it really works.

How to do it

Laughing yoga is usually practiced in a group setting, such as a club or workshop, and led by a trained laughing yoga instructor that coaches attendees through various exercises to promote enjoyment and laughter.

Most sessions begin with simple breathing techniques, clapping, and chanting to help people relax. For example, you may begin the class by clapping rhythmically 1-2, 1-2-3 while chanting “ho-ho, ha-ha-ha.”

Though it may seem silly at first, the intention of this exercise is to remove any internal judgment you may have and leave your ego at the door.

The session may also include improv exercises, citing positive affirmations, gentle stretching, yoga breath work, and meditation. Collectively, these practices are intended to help you laugh, let loose, and take yourself less seriously.

A typical laughing yoga class will include breathing exercises, chanting, improv, and aspects of yoga to help you relax and laugh.

Laughing yoga is growing in popularity as a fun way to laugh and take yourself less seriously.

A typical class involves various movements, improv, and breathing techniques to take your mind away from the daily stressors of life and be more present. Collectively, these practices may help lower your stress levels through deliberate and real laughter.

While more research is needed to elucidate its benefits, there are almost no downsides, and most people can easily participate.

All in all, laughing yoga is a great way to let loose, have fun, and learn the joy of laughing again.