Do you laugh less often or worry all the time? Then you must practice laughter or Hasya yoga. It is one of the best “medicines” that brings your stress level down and helps to improve your wellbeing. Laughter yoga or Hasya Yoga is a practice that combines intentional laughter with deep yogic breathing pranayama to promote physical and mental well-being. Laughter yoga concept was first introduced by Dr. Madan Kataria, a physician from India, in 1995. The idea behind laughter yoga is that the body cannot distinguish between genuine and forced laughter—both provide similar physiological and psychological benefits.

In today’s fast-paced world, stress, anxiety, and negativity dominate our lives. Hasya Yoga helps counteract this by using intentional laughter to reduce stress hormones, boost mood, and improve overall wellbeing. Since the body cannot distinguish between real and fake laughter, the benefits remain the same- helping us feel happier, healthier, and more connected.

How does Hasya Yoga helps in producing “good” hormones?

Laughter triggers a biochemical reaction in the body, leading to the release of several beneficial hormones:

1. Endorphins (happiness hormones): Laughter stimulates the brain to release endorphins, which act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers. This helps reduce stress, anxiety, and even chronic pain.
2. Dopamine (motivation and pleasure hormone): Laughter activates the brain’s reward system, increasing dopamine levels. This makes us feel more motivated, happy, and satisfied.
3. Serotonin (mood stabilizer): Laughter yoga boosts serotonin, which is essential for mood regulation and combating depression. Natural serotonin production reduces the need for artificial stimulants like caffeine or sugar.
4. Oxytocin (love and connection hormone): Social laughter increases oxytocin, strengthening bonds with others. This fosters feelings of trust, love, and connection in relationships.
5. Reduces cortisol (stress hormone): Laughter actively lowers cortisol levels, helping the body relax. Lower cortisol means better sleep, improved digestion, and stronger immunity.

Benefits of laughter yoga:

• Reduces stress – Lowers cortisol levels and boosts mood.
• Improves cardiovascular health – Enhances blood circulation and oxygenation.
• Promotes social connection – Laughter is contagious and strengthens bonds.
• Enhances mental wellbeing – Releases endorphins, reducing anxiety and depression.
• Boosts immune function – Laughter increases the production of infection-fighting cells.
• Improves oxygen flow – Enhances brain function and energy levels.
• Lowers blood pressure – Reduces risk of heart disease.
• Promotes better sleep – Reduces stress-induced insomnia.
• Enhances digestion – Massages internal organs, improving gut health. Which means you will make your gut bacteria happy, and you will retain your health.

How does Laughter Yoga work?

• Warm up exercises – Clapping, chanting, making laughing sounds like “ho ho, ha ha ha” and playful movements to loosen up.
• Breathing exercises – Deep diaphragmatic breathing to enhance oxygen flow.
• Laughter exercises – Simulated laughter, often done in a group setting, which eventually turns into genuine laughter.
• Childlike playfulness – Engaging in lighthearted activities to spark natural laughter.
• Relaxation and meditation – A cool-down phase with deep relaxation or guided meditation.

Image credit: Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay (Free to use under Pixabay Content License)