Laughter Yoga for Physical and Mental Health

Jayne Meldrum, Australia: My name is Jayne Meldrum I live in Sandy Beach, New South Wales, Australia. First time I heard about laughter yoga was in 2009. I had just turned 52, feeling old so I decided to get health & became a fitness instructor. A lady called Kathy Popperwell was advertising in a fitness magazine about becoming a Laughter Yoga Leader; she talked about the health benefit of laughter & child like play. This sounded great as I had done some inner child workshops in the past that had helped me with my own personal journey.

So I decided to sign up for the 2 day Laughter Yoga Leader training course.

The course was wonderful I came home and threw my self into Laughter Yoga starting with 5 of my friend in the park at Sandy Beach just like Dr Kataria. Now I run fortnightly Laughter Yoga Classes in Coffs Harbour in a Hall & have over 20 people attending. I also run sit down Laughter Yoga Classes in a day care centre for frail aged & young people with disabilities.

Laughter Yoga has changed my life. It has increased my lung capacity; I also have a heartier laugh. I don’t take live so seriously & can now see the lighter side of life.

The breathing exercises energise me & I rarely get sick. I feel mentally & physical healthier. I can tap into my endorphins easier; it has improved my sense of humour & is a great cardio workout.

People who come to my Laughter Yoga classes tell me how laughter has changed their lives. It has helped people with depression, others with arthritis. One lady whom was over weight and hadn’t exercises for years, stated that she was having so much fun, it didn’t feel like exercise. People tell me how they feel great for the whole week, improved posture, sleeping better & one couple whom come to laughter, stated their sex life had improved.

In 2011 I attended a 5 day Laughter Yoga Teacher training course with the master himself Dr Kataria. This was an amazing experience which I will never forget. Because of this experience I want to teach others to become Laughter Yoga Leaders, show people how they can laugh alone for no reason. Furthermore, spread the word about the benefits of laughter & world peace through laughter. What’s really amazing, it’s free, ha! Ha! Ha…!