Down here in Australia, we like to do things with energy, humour, and a lot of connection. So when Auslan Services—a leading sign language interpreting organisation—brought their team together for their annual gathering, they didn’t just want another workshop. They wanted something to refresh, recharge, and reconnect their people. And what better way to do that than with Laughter Yoga?
As a Laughter Yoga practitioner, I’ve seen the power of laughter break down barriers in workplaces, but this session was something truly special. Interpreters are highly skilled professionals who bridge communication gaps every day. Their work is mentally and emotionally intense—long hours of focus, high-stakes interpreting, and constant concentration can lead to burnout.
For this team, Laughter Yoga acted as a circuit breaker—a joyful escape from the demands of their roles.
From Silent Hands to Roaring Laughter
At first, there was the usual hesitation—should we really just start laughing for no reason? But within minutes, awkward chuckles turned into deep, hearty laughter. Joy took over, and these hardworking staff couldn’t stop laughing. Even one team member who was dialling in remotely couldn’t help herself—and burst into uncontrollable laughter (I’m pretty sure I heard some snorting from the team!).
Sign Language Laughs
The team naturally began translating laughter into sign language. Without any prompting, they started expressing joy visually—silent giggles, exaggerated belly laughs, and expressive signs that became utterly contagious.
Then we took it a step further—we challenged them to invent their own unique laugh using only sign language. They came up with a “silent belly laugh”—an exaggerated motion of deep, uncontrollable laughter, performed without sound but full of expression. It was Laughter Yoga uniquely adapted for their world, proving again that laughter truly transcends language.
Why Laughter Yoga Works for High-Intensity Professions
Sign language interpreters—like many in high-pressure roles—spend their days deeply engaged with others, all while maintaining composure. The emotional load is real. Laughter Yoga offered an instant reset: releasing tension, shifting perspectives, and strengthening the power of shared joy.
By the end of the session, the team wasn’t just laughing—they were re-energised, reconnected, and ready to tackle their work with fresh enthusiasm.
A Laughing Invitation
If there’s one thing this session proved, it’s that Laughter Yoga isn’t just a fun activity—it’s a powerful wellness tool for professionals needing to recharge and stay resilient.
To my fellow laughter leaders around the world—keep spreading the joy. And to those who haven’t tried it yet—what are you waiting for?
Cheers from Down Under, and keep laughing!
Cris Popp is the founder of https://www.laughterworks.com.au">Laughter Works. Trained by Dr. Madan Kataria, he has been bringing the joy of laughter to Australian organisations for 20 years. Cris can be contacted at cris@crispopp.com or via the Laughter Works website. If you’re planning a visit to Australia, be sure to get in touch and say “G’day!”