Laugh your way to good health, longevity

The preparations for International Yoga Day 2019, to be celebrated worldwide on June 21, are in full vigour, recently a proposal has been sent to HRD Ministry to make Yoga a part of educational curriculum from the upcoming academic year. In light of international Yoga day, the laughter yoga gains traction in Hyderabad and worldwide.

What is Laughter Yoga?

The Indian physician Madan Kataria has developed Laughter Yoga (LY) based on the concept that voluntary laughter could provide the same health benefits as spontaneous laughter. Soon after it spread worldwide, sparking the creation of Laughter Yoga Clubs where people would gather to practice. Laughter Yoga has more benefits

How do you practise it?

One has to warm up with some stretching and breathing exercises. Then start laughter and end with silent meditation.

In general, there are four basic steps: 1. Clapping and chanting; 2. Laughter yoga breathing; 3. Childlike playfulness; and, 4. Laughter yoga exercises.

Each step has specific elements. For example, during childlike playfulness, practitioners lift their arms in the air, which helps lift their mood. It can also trigger happy memories or thoughts

Health benefits

It strengthens the immune system and one does not fall sick easily. Laughter Yoga is a powerful cardio workout for just 10 minutes of hearty laughter is equal to 30 minutes on the rowing machine. Increased oxygen intake and blood flow, improved blood vessel function, and lower blood pressure. This helps protect your heart, boosts energy, dissolves stress and allows you to gain focus. It increases blood circulation and relaxes the muscles. It is also a powerful antidote for depression, reduces blood pressure, reduces symptoms of allergies, asthma, arthritis and helps in chronic illnesses like cancer.

Effect on personal life

Mood states determine the quality of your life. Laughter Yoga has the power to change mood within minutes by releasing certain chemicals from brain called endorphins. Laughter Yoga also helps to develop a sense of humor and you will laugh more in real life. You will always have a smiling face, a positive outlook towards life and very few negative thoughts.

Professional life

Laughter Yoga is most economical, less time consuming and scientifically proven technique to reduce stress in the workplace. One feels energized and fresh throughout the day and can work more without getting tired. Group laughter can create a happy and motivated workforce which includes a strong team building element.

Social life

The quality of life satisfaction does not depend on how much money, power, position and success you have in life, rather it depends on the number of good friends with whom we have a caring and sharing relationship. Laughter is a powerful tool to connect with people easily.

Caregivers and Seniors

Laughter yoga can promote health and wellness for caregivers and seniors alike. It makes you feel relaxed and energized; stress and pain melts away. Your mind becomes sharper and clearer. You feel more grounded. You feel more connected to the people around you.

Laughing Clubs

"Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster to bring your mind and body back into balance. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps you release anger and forgive sooner.

We like the feeling of shared laughter and our body wants as much of this feeling as possible," said AV Satyanarayana, Chairman of ABC Laughing Club, Hyderabad. ABC Laughing Club is the most spread laughing club across Hyderabad and Secunderabad cities.

The club members gather around at 6 am every day to practice laughing therapy. They have clubs at several places in twin cities: Parade Ground, Safilguda Tank Bund, Public Gardens, Indira Park, Attapur, Masab Tank, Manikonda, Bollaram, KBR Park, Nacharam and Kukatpally are the most crowded branches. Interested participants can contact AV Satyanarayana on ph: 9440049900 for admission and other details. – Avinash Bhingarde