What is it all about?
Why practice laughter yoga?
There is a large and growing body of research on the physical, emotional, social and mental benefits of laughing (and singing!) Both have been found to increase the body’s speed of healing, and to protect from illness by boosting the immune system. Both reduce adrenaline and cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and better sleep, supporting blood flow and increased oxygen. The research is broad and varied, indicating holistic healing for mind and body and a beneficial impact on overall health. Further, both singing and laughter induce strong bonds between people taking part, literally flooding the body with serotonin and endorphins – the body’s natural painkillers, mood-enhancers, sense of affection and connection, and catalysts to creativity and positive thinking. Laughter yoga is the same as laughter therapy or laughter sessions. It was begun by an Indian medical doctor, Madan Kataria, in 1995 and is now practised all over the world.
What happens in a session?
Laughter sessions take you through some gentle physical movement coupled with breathing and laughter exercises to bring your body into a state of deep joy and relaxation. There will be some playful and interactive moments and possibly games, depending on the context of the session (a hen party will be different from a corporate session, care home or for a school, for instance). Sessions usually finish with guided visualisation, gratitude, reflection and sharing. If you have chosen a combined laughter and singing session, we will add vocal exercises and songs. During online sessions much of the session will be done with participants on mute, so you can enjoy exploring breath, laughter and developing vocal technique without feeling self-conscious.
Who is it for?
Sessions are for people of any age and mental/physical ability who are keen to give themselves a mental, emotional or physical boost. Movement is gentle and limited, and can be done sitting or lying down. Despite the very gentle movement you will enjoy a deep workout for your lungs, and often get as warm and pleasantly tired out as you would from a conventional exercise session. If you choose to have a combined singing and laughter session, prior singing experience is not necessary. Neither is being able to sing in tune! Whatever your starting point, you will develop vocal confidence and ability. The fundamental aim is to give you all the health benefits which deep breathing and joy bring to your mind and body.​
Certified Laugher Yoga Leader Training
Eat delicious homemade food in a beautiful setting, laugh and get in touch with your positivity and creativity, hang out in the hot tub, make fantastic new friends and add a whole set of fantastic, uplifting resources and facilitation skills to your workshops and career.
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Laughter is extremely beneficial for health. Laughter exercises can be used to create spaces filled with creativity and fun, can serve as a brilliant warmup to any other workshops, or to go deep and get in touch with profound emotional movement and connection. Use it in singing settings including one-to-ones, choirs, breathing or health; for corporate teambuilding or to prep people ready for a day of creative thinking; mental health settings; hen/stag parties; Women’s Institute, schools and colleges - it is extremely versatile and you will learn how to adapt the exercises to fit the context. Well-paid and deeply enjoyable! Or come for your own benefit and pleasure. It is a truly wonderful, unforgettable experience!
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Becoming a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader is an amazing experience. Not only will you spend a number of days in a state of laughter and creativity, but you will leave equipped with skills in group facilitation and the practical experience of running your own Laughter Yoga sessions. Laughter Yoga leader courses are offered on retreat in mid Wales, in a beautiful setting with delicious healthy food. Download a booking form here, or contact charlotte@smilemymusic.com for a booking form and information sheet. Now booking for 2-5 February 2025!
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DETAILS
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Sunday 2 to Wednesday 5 February 2025
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Beautiful setting in Mid Wales
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Nearest station Caersws, Powys
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All home-made food and cakes
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Hot tub
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Opportunity for singing/music
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4 days of laughter that you will feel the impact of for many weeks afterwards
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Holistic training which includes experiencing and creating laughter sessions from a very skilled and experienced facilitator, the Laughter Yoga backstory, scientific and medical research, and much more. This course is not just ‘in the classroom’ - we will take our laughter training out into the community, so you can experience and practice in real sessions and varied settings. For instance a school, WI, office or mental health organisation, and leave confident to apply and adapt your new skillset.
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PRICES & PAYMENT
All prices include 3 nights/4 days homemade catering, Laughter Yoga training and certification, and accommodation including hot tub, in beautiful Estonian style log cabins.
£485 per person single occupancy
£375 per person shared
£300 per person non-residential (all meals, training, use of hot tub and facilities, no overnight stay)
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BOOKING
Please fill in the booking form and pay the deposit or balance. We want to make this a wonderful, memorable experience for you, so don’t hesitate to contact with any queries. Payment can be worked out in installments where necessary.
Take Part!
There are currently free weekly online sessions with Yes To Life for anyone recovering from cancer. Click here for full information.
To book a session for your Workplace, School, WI (Women's Institute), Merched Y Wawr, Youth Group, Hen Party, Festival, Care Home, Special Birthday Party, or any other event please contact below. Click here for more information about training as a Laughter Yoga Leader.
Never did I have an enjoyable afternoon like that. It was brilliant! Never laughed so much in my life
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Chrystalla Loizides
Wonderful. Haven't laughed like this in a long time. I'm coming back for more!
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Caroline O Toole
Loved the laughter yoga, felt on top of the world
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Alison Gregory
Was just what I needed a great inner and outer release!
Gemma Wikely