When asked what they prize most in life, many people list familial bonds, friendship, financial security and health.
When it comes to coping mechanisms, many say the ability to see the light side of things helps loads. As well as the ability to laugh at oneself or a particular situation.
This makes perfect sense; one can only deal with so much everyday stress before desperately having to release the accumulated negative energy, or risk suffering an emotional breakdown.
And so, in a world where stoicism is the epitome of professionalism, time spent laughing is a luxury many rarely indulge in.
Well, the next time you’re feeling particularly irritable or downright sad, try some laughter yoga: it’s a quick but effective way to discharge pent-up energy.
Laughter yoga has become so popular as a stress buster that it’s no wonder it has spread like wildfire from its humble beginnings in India to all over the world including in Malaysia.
Fake it till you make it
One day in 2014, a friend suggested to Fiona Lee, 49 that she try laughter yoga. It was the first time Lee had ever heard of such an activity. As luck would have it, there was a session right that following week, and so she went.
On her first day, she and roughly 30 other participants were taught various breathing techniques that involved forced laughter.
Basically, they were told to say “ho” and “ha” while stretching. Lee said she sounded and felt silly, but that’s the whole point – laughter yoga is about re-learning childlike playfulness.
Think about it. When was the last time you had a laugh so hearty your soul felt ticklish? Can’t recall? Perhaps it’s because your sense of humour has changed over time. Others have forgotten how to laugh altogether.
The first step to laughter yoga is having to force laughter, because the human body reacts as if the laugh was authentic. Science shows that a fake smile or laughter can induce physiological effects similar to that of a real one.
For example, the physical activity of smiling triggers the brain to stimulate the release of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters. This will then induce infectious feelings of relaxation and wellbeing.
Motion creates emotion
Lee is a single mother of three. Suffice to say, she has endured hardships in every sense of the word, all of which took a toll on her mental and physical health.
Since discovering laughter yoga, she has been able to take better care of herself and her kids without feeling it to be as big a burden as it used to.
People are usually recommended to do stretches to literally loosen up, and take deep breaths to regain focus. Laughter yoga incorporates both of these, so it’s a great form of meditation.
At this point, laughter yoga may sound like a panacea but it’s more than that. To Lee, it’s become a way of life. At its core is the philosophy of humour, of being able to see the silver lining in every struggle.
Laughter therapy
If you’re looking for a change of pace, or believe in the power of personal growth by self-healing, laughter yoga may just be the thing for you.
As a qualified Laughter Yoga Trainer and the founder of Joy and Laughter Wellness Centre, Lee conducts eight-week programmes which enable individuals to learn laughter yoga exercises on a one-on-one basis with focus on the individual’s needs to achieve inner peace.
This will then help the individual lead a more harmonious life and inspire him or her to spread positivity to others as well.
According to Lee, laughter yoga is also a powerful tool in promoting corporate wellness.
Not only would attending a laughter session, also known as laughter workshop, improve the individual’s mental focus, it will also help strengthen relationships between co-workers and, hence, help boost morale. This in turn will help create a much happier and more efficient workforce.
Some of the organisations that have held laughter workshops with Lee include Expedia and JP Morgan. These workshops can be tailored to fit each organisation’s needs by choosing a suitable combination of exercises.
That being said, change can only start from the man in the mirror – and laughter yoga is merely a stepping stone with which said change can be made.
Date: First Saturday of every month
Time: 8.00 AM to 9.00 AM
Venue: Kelana Jaya
Number of pax: 15 people
Fiona Lee conducts laughter yoga sessions for individuals as well as corporations. For more information regarding these sessions, contact her on WhatsApp (+6013-818 8313).