When was the last time you laughed so hard that your stomach hurt and your eyes teared up? In today’s stressful world, laughter has become rare, yet it is one of the most powerful natural medicines. Whether practiced through Laughter Yoga or simply choosing to smile more, laughter transforms body, mind, and relationships.
Why Begin your day with Laughter
The best change one can bring into life is starting the day with laughter. If you begin your morning laughing, nothing will go bad during the day. A cheerful start makes you more forgiving, helps you ignore small mistakes of others, and naturally makes you more helpful and compassionate.
Think of it as emotional armor: laughter protects you from negativity before the day even begins.
Be like a child again
Children laugh 300- 400 times a day, while adults manage only 10–15. Why the difference? Adults wait for a “reason” to laugh, while children laugh just because they can.
If you wish to bring laughter back into your life, wake up in the morning and pretend you are a child. Start laughing without a reason. At first it may feel silly, but very soon you’ll feel the joy bubbling up for real.
This is the essence of Laughter Yoga – fake it until you make it. Science confirms that even simulated laughter triggers the same chemical changes as genuine laughter. Over time, the fake becomes natural, and laughter flows effortlessly.
The Science of Laughter
Modern research and yogic wisdom agree that laughter is medicine. Here’s why:
- Burns Calories: Ten minutes of hearty laughter can burn more calories than moderate exercise.
- Boosts Immunity: Regular laughter strengthens immune cells and reduces risk of infections.
- Reduces Stress: Laughter lowers cortisol and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, bringing relaxation.
- Improves Heart Health: It increases blood circulation and lowers blood pressure.
- Elevates Mood: Endorphins released during laughter work as natural antidepressants.
Laughter as a Daily Practice
You don’t need jokes, comedy, or perfect circumstances to laugh. You need commitment. Here are a few practices to try:
- Morning Laughter Ritual – Wake up, stretch, and laugh like a child for 2–3 minutes.
- Clapping & Chanting – Clap hands, chant “Ho Ho Ha Ha Ha,” and let laughter flow.
- Mirror Laughter – Look into the mirror and laugh at your own reflection.
- Forgiveness Laughter – Cross your arms, hold your earlobes, bow slightly, and laugh — let go of grudges.
- Group Laughter – Join a laughter club or practice with family and friends.
Corporate and Social Benefits
In offices and communities, laughter acts as a powerful connector. Group laughter sessions:
- Break hierarchy barriers and build team spirit.
- Reduce absenteeism by lowering stress-related illnesses.
- Recharge energy and creativity, improving productivity.
- Create a culture of joy, kindness, and resilience.
The Takeaway
Laughter is not just an emotion – it’s a practice, a lifestyle, and a medicine. You don’t need a reason to laugh. You just need the willingness to start. Begin tomorrow with a smile and a laugh. Burn calories, boost your immunity, reduce stress, and rediscover the child within you.
Because we don’t laugh because we’re happy – we’re happy because we laugh.
