Laughter Yoga

​Yoga keeps us supple, present and mindful.
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When we laugh we are keeping fit, letting go of tensions, releasing our happy hormones which in turn allow us to let go of the stress hormones. We are in the present moment when we laugh heartily so we are no longer thinking of the past or future. We feel good. It’s free! If we laugh for 10 minutes or more these actions make a difference to our bodies.

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It’s very healing both mentally and physically. You know how good you can feel when you have a good laugh.

So many things going on in the Festive season which can be great fun; meeting up with friends and family, office parties, lots of shopping, Christmas decorations and thinking of the right present for the right person, it’s great fun but can also be a little overwhelming.

Here are some ideas to make the festive season feel light and jolly…..
 
Christmas shopping – enjoy the walking in and out of the shops – brilliant exercise! If you do get a little exhausted how about sitting down with either a Camomile tea or coffee in a café or outside watching the world go by?

Sitting and breathing deeply for a few minutes. Yogic breathing: breathe in deep into your lungs expanding your tummy muscles and breathe out pushing your tummy flat. A few rounds of this are calming.

When you get home find a space to put lie down and put your feet up against a wall for 5 minutes. This is very relaxing for the legs and your circulation. Deep breathing again allows relaxation too.

Dressing the tree – the Tree Yoga pose is a must. Stand by your tree and get the weight even on your bare feet. Stand straight and erect.  When you feel balanced [and you can hold lightly onto something if you think you might fall put your weight onto your right leg. Lift the left foot off the ground, put your left foot onto the right inside leg if your hip allows and help your balance by putting your arms out to the side or hold onto your right ear!  Hold this position for a few deep breaths. Look at something at eye level to help you focus and balance. Go back to standing and feeling the weight even on your feet again before doing the same to the other side.

This will help you to not only balance physically but mentally as well. If anyone is helping you dress the tree you could all do it at the same time and see who can balance the longest.
 
Giggle with each bauble going onto the tree – how many baubles can you giggle before your face is stuck into a smile!
 
Singing Christmas carols with the radio on: sing as loud as possible and dance. Singing works on the body in a similar way to laughing and gives that wonderful feel good feeling.
 
Food and preparing the Turkey or Christmas fayre.
Preparation in advance always helps to stop the panic so as to enjoy the moment. Deep breathing beforehand, during and after at intervals helps to keep calm!
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Wear a Christmas hat to get in the mood and any other festive apparel, with music and dancing, singing and laughter. Ideas for laughter: - laugh like a turkey; walk like a turkey, sing and dance as if no one is looking; sing in an operatic way.
 
Dress up as Santa with a hohoho and enjoy. Think of happy memories at this special time and smile .
Hahahahappy Christmas xxxx
 
Gill Taylor
 
Gill holds 2 day Certified LaughterYoga Leader Trainings and classes throughout the year. Please contact her for further info and a booking form.