When you first hear about something like Laughing Yoga, it might sound a bit strange, right? I remember the first time I saw a friend of mine doing it—I thought, “Hold on, we’re just pretending to laugh?” But here’s the thing: it’s not about getting people to fall over laughing or waiting for a punchline. It’s all about creating pure joy—even on days when you don’t feel like laughing at all. And honestly? It really works. 

I was definitely unsure the first time I walked into a laughter yoga class. Laughing on purpose felt a little weird, but there was something about the atmosphere that just felt… right. At first, it felt like I was just going through the motions. But then something shifted. The whole room started laughing, and that’s when I realized—it wasn’t just about following along. Something real was happening. 

Laughing Yoga: Stress Relief 

You know that feeling when you laugh so much that a little worry crosses your mind, only to disappear in the next breath? Laughter yoga is kind of like that. It’s like hitting the mental “reset” button—instant relief with no more stress weighing you down. 

When you laugh, your body releases endorphins, those “feel-good” hormones that make everything seem brighter. Ever noticed how your shoulders drop, and your chest feels lighter after a good laugh? Well, laughter yoga takes that a step further. It’s proven that laughter can lower cortisol (the stress hormone), so you’re not just smiling for fun—you’re actually giving your body a break. 

In a 2020 study published by the National Institutes of Health, laughter yoga participants saw a reduction in their perceived stress levels and reported an overall sense of well-being. So, it’s not just about fun and games—it’s about real benefits. After my first class, I walked out feeling like I’d just left a mini vacation for my mind. 

Mental Health Benefits of Laughter Yoga 

Let’s be honest—mental health is something we could all use a little more of, right? Life has a way of piling on the stress, and some days, it feels like it just won’t let up. If you’re anything like me, there are days when it’s hard to shake off that heavy feeling. Laughter yoga not only promotes immediate happiness, but over time, it can have a lasting impact on your emotional wellbeing. 

For me, it’s been a real turning point. A friend of mine was struggling with anxiety, and at first, she wasn’t convinced that laughter yoga could help her. She couldn’t wrap her head around how forced laughter could actually make her feel better. But I convinced her to give it a shot and join me for a class, and something clicked for her. Later, she told me that even though she wasn’t sure if the laughter was “genuine,” she felt surprisingly light afterward. The mix of laughter and breathing helped her find a sense of calm she hadn’t felt in months. 

Research backs this up, too. According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, laughter yoga can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by triggering dopamine (our natural happiness booster). By combining deep breaths with intentional laughter, you’re giving your brain a double dose of feel-good vibes. 

Laughter Yoga Techniques 

Okay, so how does this work in real life? Laughter yoga is all about engaging with your body and mind in new ways. You don’t have to be an expert in yoga to get started. The class begins with simple stretching and breathing exercises that help you relax and let go of the tension that’s built up during the day. 

Then comes the fun part—the laughter exercises. You might start by “laughing” without a reason. The instructor might encourage you to laugh like you just heard the best joke ever, or they might have you mimic a “laughing like a hyena” sound. It sounds a little silly, but you’d be surprised how quickly the energy in the room shifts. 

One of the exercises that stands out in my mind was when we were told to “laugh” while clapping our hands. At first, it felt so strange, kind of like forcing a smile through a bad movie. But then, something clicked. The awkwardness faded, and before I knew it, I was genuinely laughing, fully caught up in the moment. By the end of the session, I was laughing harder than I had in ages. It wasn’t just about the laughter itself—it was about releasing all that tension I didn’t even realize I’d been holding onto. 

A study by the Mayo Clinic has shown that laughter yoga can improve your mood and even help you sleep better. So, it’s not just good for mental health during the class, but also for overall wellness. 

How It Can Be Part of Your Routine 

I’ve now made laughter yoga part of my weekly routine. I used to treat it as something I’d do occasionally, but now I look forward to it—whether I’m stressed, tired, or just need a mental break. 

I’ve also noticed that laughter yoga isn’t just good for me—it’s great for bonding. I dragged my group of friends to a session a few months ago, and at first, they were really not sold on the idea. But within minutes of starting, we were all in hysterics. It wasn’t about how funny we were; it was about sharing that energy together. 

Laughter yoga isn’t about fitness, but it’s a lot more physical than you might think. You’re laughing, breathing, and engaging with your body in ways that release tension you didn’t even realize you were holding onto. 

Why It’s Worth a Try 

Now, I’ll admit, it might sound a bit strange at first. But the truth is, laughter yoga really does work—and it works just the way you’d think. At first, you’ll probably feel a little awkward, but soon enough, you’ll find yourself wondering why you didn’t try it sooner. 

If you’re looking for something that helps reduce stress, boosts your mental health, and just gives you a break from the everyday grind, laughter yoga is a no-brainer. The mental health benefits are real; it doesn’t matter if you’re not a yoga pro. All you need is a willingness to let go and laugh. Check out Neon Soul Yoga, offering a mix of yoga, aerial yoga, and FitSprig to nurture both body and mind.