Laughter time w/c 22nd February

Zoom laughter sessions for the week commencing 22nd February follow. I've just had some lovely feedback from a participant joining for her first time this week that I'd love to share here:

"Thanks very much, Em. Not laughed so long or so hard in ages. Highly recommended!!!!!"

The sessions are slightly different times this week due to school and work related bookings. Monday 11am, Tuesday 10am, Wednesday 4pm and Friday 5pm this week. I've added an extra session and I'll see how it goes doing 4 this week. 

Breaking news is that I've just finished my Laughter Yoga Leader course which is exciting. I also, on the same day, completed my Couch to 5K culminating in my first 5K run for ages. The 18th February was an auspicious date for me :)

The sessions are freely given and if you'd like to pay it forward with kindness you'd be very welcome (anything from a smile at someone to a bunch of flowers/helping someone out in need however makes sense is all good) but equally if you'd like to come along and just laugh then that's great too. I'm finding the zoom sessions working really well and it's a lovely time to spend with people. The sessions last about 30 minutes or so.

I heard today about new research from Hong Kong University and also a Turkish nursing college where they'd shown the positive effects of Laughter Yoga on anxiety. There's apparently a further 15-20 studies going on around the world currently investigating it, but it's enough for now, for me, that I feel good after the sessions.  I am curious about how much can be achieved from a regular laughter practice, and who knows, the researcher in me may be awoken yet.

For now, with love and laughter - I hope to see you soon,

Em x

If you're joining for the first time, please check the contraindications at the bottom of this blog post and be sure you're OK to laugh in the sessions. Thank you!

Feb 22, 2021 11:00 AM London

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79496655855?pwd=V3RBUlJZenZ4TnRyWjZuZGJpSlRQdz09

Meeting ID: 794 9665 5855
Passcode: 4fhAPt

Feb 23, 2021 10:00 AM London

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71231927834?pwd=Vk8wNzZEdUNkVjBZZXhMaU1FNEVQQT09

Meeting ID: 712 3192 7834
Passcode: 9qia4X

Feb 24, 2021 04:00 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71677672094?pwd=S0NRdDh1STRwbjI5STZlRW0rNjE1dz09

Meeting ID: 716 7767 2094
Passcode: 5MU0Qg

Feb 26, 2021 05:00 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73416509035?pwd=UGNXcmtOV2tqdENvM0xRSURpVFZjUT09

Meeting ID: 734 1650 9035
Passcode: iN9t20

Contraindications in Laughter Yoga
Taken from my Leader manual.

Laughter Yoga is like any other aerobic exercise and all the conditions apply as that of any other aerobic activity like swimming, jogging, running etc. Should you experience any pain, discomfort and breathlessness, you must discontinue Laughter Yoga and take medical advice.
People with following conditions must take medical opinion before doing Laughter Yoga exercises:
Hernia: Hernia is very common in elderly people and in those who have chronic cough and prostate enlargement. If you notice any swelling in the groin area while laughing or experience any pain, you must consult your doctor before doing laughter exercises regularly. Hernia normally needs surgical correction.
Incontinence in women: This is most common in women. If there is involuntary passing of urine while laughing or coughing you must consult your doctor. This may be due to sagging of the uterus or weak ligaments.
Bleeding hemorrhoids: Those su ering from bleeding from any part of the body must be very careful while doing laughter exercises.
Heart problem with chest pain: If you experience any chest pain while doing any exercise you must consult your doctor.
Pregnancy: Women with history of miscarriage and those in the last two months of pregnancy must take precaution and see the doctor before doing Laughter Yoga.
Major surgeries: One must wait for at least three months after any surgery before resuming any strenuous exercises.
Epilepsy: Those with a history of epileptic seizures must be careful as change in any emotional state can trigger an epileptic attack. Take expert opinion.
Cold and flu: In case of severe attack of cold & flu, wait for some time as the virus might spread to other members.
Severe backache: If someone has prolapsed inter-vertebral disc (slipped disc), one should not do laughter and other exercises, unless advised by their physician. Any forward and backward bending can aggravate the symptoms of slip disc.