Laughter Yoga has been around since the mid-90’s and has been popular for its health and fitness benefits. Now it’s taking off in workplaces around the UK as a proven technique to reduce stress in the workplace. A great team building tool, group laughter can create a happy and motivated workforce and encourages positive thinking and creativity.
How and when did it begin?
Laughter Yoga was created by Dr. Madan Kataria. He became interested in laughter as a way to improve health and cope with the stress of modern living whilst researching papers for health journals. Dr.Kataria was convinced that laughter would be beneficial, and investigated how laughter could be prescribed to patients and people who needed it.
After field-testing the impact of laughter on himself and others, Dr Kataria realised that there are ways other than humour to stimulate laughter. And he developed a range of laughter exercises, including elements of role-play. As Yoga practitioners, Dr. Kataria and his wife Madhuri, Co-Founder of Laughter Yoga, saw the similarities between Laughter and Pranayama exercises. They also incorporated elements from this ancient form of Yoga into Laughter Yoga. The deep breathing exercises increases the amount of oxygen in your body leaving you feeling more healthy, energised and alive.
Research into the benefits of laughter and laughter yoga is ongoing. But the health benefits already proven include: strengthening the immune system, providing a powerful cardio workout, increasing blood circulation and relaxing muscles. Laughter is a powerful antidote for depression, reduces blood pressure, reduces symptoms of allergies, asthma, and arthritis and even helps in chronic illnesses like cancer.
Laughter Yoga in the Workplace
Attending a laughter yoga session together, in the workplace anywhere in the UK. It is a great team building experience and sessions can reduce stress levels, enhance self confidence and communication skills. By increasing our oxygen intake we are able to give optimal performance. We feel energised and fresh throughout the day.
On Site Wellbeing Co can bring Laughter Yoga to you in your workplace. To find out more any of our wellbeing services contact us today on 0333 900 0212. You can feel the benefits from the very first session, so what are you waiting for?
