Laughter is the Best Medicine

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 5-Minute Self-Guided Laughter Yoga Exercise

Try this self-guided laughter yoga exercise by yourself or with others. The goal is to laugh intentionally to boost your mood, reduce stress, and increase energy. Remember, even fake laughter can have real benefits- so don't worry about forcing it. Just have fun, let go, and enjoy the process!

Warm-Up

  1. Deep Breathing: Start by taking a deep breath in through your nose, hold it for a moment, and slowly exhale through mouth. Do this two more times-inhale deeply... and exhale completely.
  2. Light Stretching: Gently stretch your arms overhead and lean from one side to the other. Roll your shoulders forward and backward. Shake out your hands, arms, and legs, getting your body loose and ready to laugh.

Laughter Exercises

  1. Simple Giggles (30 seconds): Start with light, small giggles. "Hee hee hee!" Even if it feels fake, let yourself laugh. Slowly build up the intensity. Your giggles might turn into louder laughs naturally-just let them! Imagine you're laughing at something funny. Keep it going for 30 seconds.
  2. Cell Phone Laughter (30 seconds): Pretend you are answering a phone call from a friend who tells you the funniest joke ever. Hold an imaginary phone to your ear and laugh as though you can't stop: "Ha ha ha!" Picture yourself laughing hysterically while holding the phone. Laugh out loud, no holding back!
  3. Laugh Breath (30 seconds): Take a deep breath in through your nose, and as your exhale, laugh: "Hahahahaha!" Repeat this two more times. Breathe in deeply and then laugh as you breathe out, allowing the laughter to flow naturally. Let each exhale end with a hearty laugh.
  4. Silent Laughter (30 seconds): Now, try laughing without any sound. Let your mouth open wide, smile big, and laugh silently. You'll feel your facial muscles stretch and your body engage in laughter, even though no sound comes out. It may feel silly, but it's surprisingly fun!
  5. Belly Laughter (30 seconds): Place your hand on your belly and start with deep, hearty laughter: "HO HO HO!" Imagine you're Santa Claus or laughing at a joke that gets funnier with every second. Feel your belly bounce with each laugh. Let the laughter get louder and deeper.
  6. Gradient Laughter (30 seconds): Start with a tiny chuckle: "Hee hee." Gradually increase the volume and intensity of your laughter until you're laughing out loud. Begin with soft giggles and slowly build into full belly laughter: "HA HA HA!" Let it peak, then slowly return to soft giggles.
Cool Down
  1. Deep Breathing: After all that laughing, take a deep breath in... and slowly exhale. Do this two more times, focusing on how relaxed and energized you feel.
  2. Smiling Relaxation: Close your eyes, and take a moment to smile. Notice the warmth and relaxation that comes after laughter. Feel the tension leave your body, and enjoy the lightness you've created.
Remember, you can bring this joyful energy into your day anytime by simply laughing!

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