Laughing for no reason sounds strange, maybe even a little silly. Yet laughter yoga, a practice of intentional laughter, is enjoyed by groups all over the world. It is simple, playful and surprisingly powerful as a way to release tension and come back to the present moment.
Contents
- What is laughter yoga?
- How laughter yoga works
- What people notice after laughing
- Simple laughter exercises to try
- Laughter and inner practice
- Who laughter yoga is for
- Frequently asked questions
What is laughter yoga?
Laughter yoga is a practice that combines intentional laughter with breathing exercises and playful movement. It was popularised in the 1990s by the Indian doctor Madan Kataria, who started the first laughter clubs in Mumbai. Since then, laughter groups have spread to many countries.
Despite the name, it has little to do with physical yoga poses. “Yoga” here refers to the combination of laughter and deep breathing. It is also sometimes called laughter therapy or laughter meditation.
How laughter yoga works
The key idea: the body does not need a joke to laugh. Laughter starts as a deliberate exercise, often with eye contact in a group, and quickly becomes real, because laughter is contagious.
A few reasons the practice is so effective:
- You cannot think and laugh at the same time. When you laugh fully, the stream of thoughts stops for a while, and you are completely in the present moment.
- Breathing deepens. Laughter is a natural form of deep exhalation.
- Control loosens. Laughter softens the habit of holding yourself back and taking everything seriously.
- Connection grows. Laughing together creates closeness quickly, even among strangers.
What people notice after laughing
People who practise laughter yoga often describe:
- feeling lighter and more relaxed;
- a lift in mood;
- releasing tension that had built up in the body;
- feeling more connected to others;
- being able to look at problems with more humour and perspective.
Laughter is a wonderful support for wellbeing, but it is not a medical treatment. If you have health conditions, especially affecting the heart, breathing or abdomen, check with a doctor before intensive laughter exercises.
Simple laughter exercises to try
Do these for a few minutes, ideally with a friend or a group. Feel free to feel silly; that is part of it.
- Warm-up clapping. Clap rhythmically, “ho-ho, ha-ha-ha”, while breathing deeply.
- Greeting laughter. Instead of saying hello, look at someone and laugh.
- Silent laughter. Laugh with your mouth open but without sound, then let the sound come.
- Mobile phone laughter. Pretend to hear the funniest story on the phone and laugh along.
- Lion laughter. Stick your tongue out, open your eyes wide, stretch your hands like claws and laugh.
- Gradient laughter. Start with a smile, move to a giggle, then a chuckle, then a full belly laugh.
- Calm breathing. End with a few slow breaths, then sit quietly and notice how you feel.
Laughter and inner practice
Spiritual practice is sometimes imagined as something serious and solemn. Yet many traditions value laughter as a way to loosen the grip of the ego and open to life. When we laugh wholeheartedly, mental limitations and self-importance fall away for a moment, and what remains is simple, joyful presence.
Laughter also makes a natural pair with stillness: after a few minutes of intense laughter, the mind often becomes unusually quiet, which is an excellent moment for meditation. Read How to Practice Stillness and How to Be Present.
Who laughter yoga is for
Almost anyone: people who take life too seriously, those feeling tense or low, teams looking for connection, children and older people. No experience, fitness or sense of humour is required.
Practise with Giving School
At Giving School, laughter practice is part of our retreat programmes, helping participants release stress, relax and lift their mood.
- Foundations Retreat — a residential retreat in Latvia that includes laughter practice alongside meditation and body work.
- Practice of Stillness Online — weekly guided practice, online.
Frequently asked questions
Is laughter yoga real laughter?
It starts as intentional laughter, but in a group it usually turns into genuine laughter within minutes, because laughter is contagious.
Can I do laughter yoga alone?
Yes, although it is easier and more fun in a group. Alone, try laughing in front of a mirror or along with a recording.
How long should a laughter session be?
Even 5–10 minutes is enough to feel a difference. Group sessions usually last 30–45 minutes, including breathing and relaxation.
Is laughter yoga safe?
For most people, yes. If you have heart, breathing or abdominal problems, or have recently had surgery, consult your doctor first.