Laughter Yoga

For the past month I have been trying laughter yoga.

To set the record straight, laughter yoga does not involve getting into a stretching position and laughing instead of focusing on breathing. Instead, the class is a series of actions designed to help you pretend to laugh. For example, one exercise is to mime blowing bubbles and instead of blowing air through the loop you laugh shyly.

The rules are to laugh responsibly (no new pain); no talking; engage with others through eye contact; and have fun.

Doctor Kataria, the founder, has done extensive research on the medical benefits of laughter yoga. While laughter is the best medicine, he's discovered that laughter yoga is the second-best medicine.

The class is not for the insecure, self-conscious or intolerant (technically, it is for anyone...) Once I got past the silliness, it was liberating. The physical effects are many - I sleep more soundly; I feel the post laughter endorphin rush; and during the laughter meditation I've found a way to release my emotions-whatever is brewing that day or stored up for the week. I'm going to keep it up and see what becomes of it!