Laughter Yoga Workshop

The u3a movement is a unique and exciting organisation which provides, through its u3as, life-enhancing and life-changing opportunities. Retired and semi-retired people come together and learn together, not for qualifications but for its own reward: the sheer joy of discovery!Please familiarise yourself with ourPrivacy Policybefore booking an event.

The Third Age Trust

Laughter yoga combines hearty laughter exercises with deep yoga-style breathing (pranayama) -  Workshop by Judith Anne Walker

Introduction to Laughter Yoga Everybody laughs the same in every language because laughter is a universal connection - Yakov SmirnoffWe don’t laugh because we are happy, we are happy because we laugh - William JamesScientific research confirms that laughter is good for us and we should all be getting more of it – that it is indeed 'the best medicine'. We are told we need to get more joy into our lives, more friends and fun, and more laughter. The trouble is that many of us would like to laugh more but we don’t know where to start. Laughter yoga offers an answer. It combines laughter exercises with deep yoga-style breathing (pranayama) - and anyone can take part. There are three myths about laughter that we need to be clear about:<ol><li>We think you need a sense of humour to laugh - you don’t </li><li>We think you need a reason to laugh – you don’t</li><li>We think you need to be happy - you don’t</li></ol>There are no jokes, comedy or humour in laughter yoga. It is laughter for no reason - children can do it. (If you ask a child running around a playground and laughing what they are laughing at, they won’t be able to tell you – they are laughing because everybody else is laughing and it just feels great!)What happens in a laughter yoga session?There are four steps in laughter yoga : <ol><li>Clapping </li><li>Breathing </li><li>Laughter exercises </li><li>Childlike playfulness. </li></ol>Then there are a few minutes of free laughter, followed by a period of relaxation.Members participating in exercise activities do so at their own risk. As a result, members should be confident that they are fit enough to do so. If in any doubt members should seek medical advice. Laughter yoga is aerobic exercise and may not be suitable for everyone. For example, it is contraindicated for people suffering from uncontrolled high blood pressure, some forms of heart disease, uncontrolled epilepsy, or severe backache. This list is for guidance only and is not meant to be exhaustive. If in doubt do not try it and consult your trained medical professional for advice. Anyone experiencing discomfort must discontinue immediately and seek medical help. Please use your common sense - no strain, no new pain.About JudithJudith has been running laughter yoga groups in Edinburgh u3a since 2012. She also offers one-to-one laughter coaching. Laughter yoga has changed her life for the better – she is happier, more confident and has a lot more friends. Her wish is that I can help others find the same thing.We have all just been through a very difficult year and many of us have suffered loneliness, loss, isolation, and depression. We are told that the mental health crisis which is already upon us is only going to get bigger. Laughter yoga offers us one way to address this challenge. It teaches us to laugh even when times are hard. It doesn’t make problems disappear, but it does foster a positive attitude and helps us to cope.This event is for u3a members only

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Laughter Yoga Workshop

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