This I really want to try.
They say laughter is the best medicine and I believe it. I have often noticed that laughter truly takes me away and alters my consciousness for the better. I also purposely watch a as many comedies, both sit coms and movies, for exactly this reason. I try to laugh as often as possible. I put EFFORT into it!
Laughter Yoga (Hasya Yoga) is a physically oriented technique that uses a blend of playful, empowering and otherwise “tension-releasing” simple laughter exercises. With gentle yoga-breathing and -stretching exercises, rhythmic clapping and chanting of Ho Ho Ha Ha Ha in unison a simulated laughter turns into real laughter. Laughter Yoga is done as a way to improve health, increase well-being and promote peace in the world through personal transformation. It is non-religious, non-sectarian, and non-political.
A typical Laughter Yoga session lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The session may be adapted to suit the needs, abilities and motivations of the group participating.
The Laughter Yoga method is the brainchild of Dr. Madan Kataria, a family physician from Mumbai, India who started the first laughter club in 1995. He has been the catalyst for the creation of over 5,000 Laughter Clubs in 40 countries, mostly free and public.
And now a demonstration:
Here is an article about laughter being as good as exercise. Another article here: How Humor Makes You Friendlier, Sexier
And lastly a yoga class taught by a counselor Paolo Trinidad. He has been teaching laughter yoga to inmates and members of the public as therapy for stress and loneliness in the Philippines.