Laughter Yoga with Lynne West and Terri - Audio Version

In this episode, I have guest Lynne West VanHeusden. She is a certified Laughter Yoga Teacher and leader.  Lynne is also certified in Ashtanga Yoga, Chair Yoga and other vibrational modalities. Lynne has been an avid Laughter Yoga practitioner for 16 years. (Watch the video version on YouTube at Anchored Not Anxious.)

What is Laughter Yoga? It may sound strange but Laughter Yoga is the practice of laughing for no reason. We laugh for exercise just like others jog or lift weights. We work out our mind and body with levity and lightness. An exercise laugh has the exact same effect on the body as natural laughter and in a group with eye contact laughter becomes very natural very quickly. Laughter and stress reduction is contagious.

Just 10–15 minutes daily reduces stress, energizes the body, and promotes mental calmness and positivity. Scientifically proven to strengthen immunity, enhance brain oxygen, uplift mood, and foster social connections—reducing isolation. Regular practice builds emotional resilience, helping you face challenges with optimism.

Join Lynne and I as we do a few of the exercises together.

For more: www.laughteryoga.org

Contact Lynne West VanHeusden at www.facebook.com/Laughing SwansYoga

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Transcript

Terri:

In this episode, I have guest Lynne West VanHeusden. She is a certified Laughter Yoga Teacher and leader.  Lynne is also certified in Ashtanga Yoga, Chair Yoga and other vibrational modalities. Lynne has been an avid Laughter Yoga practitioner for 16 years.

Lynne hosted the Austin TX laughter club for 5 years. She hosted Laughter Yoga at Henry Ford Hospitals in Bloomfield, MI for 2 years and currently resides in Santee, SC. Now she delivers Laughter across the Low Country at Galleries and Libraries. 

Welcome to the show, Lynne! Give the listeners a brief history of laughter yoga and why you became a certified instructor.

Lynne:

A medical doctor, Dr Madan Kataria, started Laughter Yoga in 1995. He was studying the effects of Laughter on pain.  In his studies they started practicing laughter in a similar way to practicing yoga, and discovered a deliberate laugh has the same physical and mental improvements and natural laughter. Laughter Yoga is 30 yrs old this year and practiced in over 120 countries.

Laughter Yoga what is it? It may sound strange but Laughter Yoga is the practice of laughing for no reason. We laugh for exercise just like others jog or lift weights. We work out our mind and body with levity and lightness. An exercise laugh has the exact same effect on the body as natural laughter and in a group with eye contact laughter becomes very natural very quickly. Laughter and stress reduction is contagious.

Laughter Yoga is a scientifically proven approach to improving physical, emotional, and mental well-being. By combining laughter exercises with deep yogic breathing techniques, it stimulates the body and mind in ways that conventional fitness or relaxation methods often cannot.

Just 10–15 minutes daily reduces stress, energizes the body, and promotes mental calmness and positivity. Scientifically proven to strengthen immunity, enhance brain oxygen, uplift mood, and foster social connections—reducing isolation. Regular practice builds emotional resilience, helping you face challenges with optimism.

Connection is a true need for humans and laughter can connect us deeply in a very short amount of time. 

Terri:

What I know is laughter feels good and I don’t do it enough. Your description tells me laughter is a powerful natural medicine for our bodies. 

Lynne:

Its funny listing the benefits as there are so many The biggest key is connection as we laugh and clap and cheer for each other we also hold eye contact so everyone feels seen.  It may seem simplistic to play as adults and take joy in simple cheers for each other however playing and laughing are ways to foster connection.  May teams and companies are scattered over a globe and looking for ways to connect. Its amazing watching on screen when team mates get to cheer for and encourage each other. 

Really the best way to check out laughter yoga is to jump in and try it.  I am so excited to walk Terri and you through some fun exercises. 

Terri:

I accidentally came across laughter yoga doing some anxiety management research on the internet. I introduced the purpose and benefits of laughter yoga in a podcast earlier this year. I am thrilled Lynne reached out to me so we can experience what a laughter yoga class is like.

So from this point on, Lynne will lead us through some laughter yoga. It’s all yours, Lynne.

Lynne:

Aloha Laughter,  Hot Soup, Gibberish complaint Laughter forgiveness,  Laughter Dust sneeze, Red light laughter.  Milkshake laughter, Laughter meditation

Terri:

I describe how it felt to go through some of the practices.

Lynne:

Really the best way to check out laughter yoga is in person however there are many online laughter clubs too where you can drop in and laugh with folks from all over the world.   There are 120 countries and 25,000 laughter yoga clubs world wide.  Search for www.laughteryoga.org

I am happy to deliver laughter sessions locally or via the web. You can contact me through Laughing Swans Yoga on facebook. www.facebook.com/LaughingSwansYoga

Terri:

What a great experience! Thank you so much for giving us a chance to experience the power of Laughter Yoga.

Friends, thank you for listening. You can find this video on my YouTube Channel under Anchored Not Anxious. An audio version will be available on my podcast.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the CareLetter for twice monthly topics on anxiety and worry management and trusting God with what we cannot control.

Until next time.