In a world that sometimes feels overwhelmed by serious news and challenges, moments of genuine joy and laughter have become more precious than ever. That’s why World Laughter Day on Sunday, May 4th, 2025 takes on special significance this year. This global celebration reminds us that even in difficult times—perhaps especially in difficult times—laughter remains essential for our wellbeing.
When daily life gets busier and more stressful, genuine opportunities to laugh become rarer. We find ourselves too occupied and distracted to experience the deep, hearty, sustained laughter that truly benefits our wellbeing. Even when we do laugh, it’s often brief and fleeting rather than the hearty, sustained laughter that offers profound health benefits.
Fortunately, there are proven techniques to bring more laughter into our lives, regardless of circumstances or mood. Let’s explore what you can expect from this special workshop.
What to Expect at This Workshop
This workshop combines several approaches to bring more laughter into your life. While it includes elements of “Laughter Yoga,” it’s important to understand what this actually means.
Despite its name, Laughter Yoga doesn’t involve any traditional yoga poses or mats. Rather, it refers to the powerful breathing pattern that occurs during laughter—where you exhale more than you inhale, similar to Pranayama breathing in traditional yoga. This extended exhalation created during hearty laughter provides many of the same respiratory benefits as yogic breathing exercises.
The workshop goes well beyond just laughter yoga exercises. You’ll also experience a variety of games, interactive activities, and playful strategies specifically designed to evoke natural, spontaneous laughter. These additional approaches help even the most reserved participants access genuine, heartfelt laughter. The session blends structured laughter exercises with opportunities for authentic, spontaneous joy in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
The Science of Laughter
Research consistently demonstrates the remarkable impact laughter has on our health. When we engage in laughter whether it is spontaneous or through deliberate intention, our bodies respond in powerful ways:
Physical Benefits of Laughter:
- Reduces stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline
- Boosts immune function by increasing infection-fighting antibodies
- Decreases pain by releasing endorphins (natural painkillers)
- Improves cardiovascular health by enhancing blood flow
- Relaxes muscles and relieves physical tension
- Burns calories – sustained laughter is hard work!
Psychological Benefits:
- Reduces anxiety and tension
- Creates emotional resilience
- Improves mood and counteracts depression
- Enhances memory and learning
- Provides a natural form of mindfulness
- Strengthens social connections
Spiritual Benefits:
- Creates a sense of lightness and joy
- Fosters a present-moment awareness
- Facilitates connection with others
- Helps gain perspective on life challenges
The Solution: Laughter as Exercise
One powerful approach to reclaiming laughter in our lives is through deliberate laughter practice, such as laughter yoga. The foundational principle is simple yet profound: your body doesn’t distinguish between spontaneous laughter and intentional laughter – it responds with the same physiological benefits either way.
What’s fascinating is that when we begin with intentional laughter exercises, something magical often happens. Due to the infectious nature of laughter, participants typically transition from deliberate laughter into genuine, natural, convulsive laughter. This creates a powerful feedback loop of wellbeing.
Join Our World Laughter Day Celebration!
World Laughter Day was created in 1998 by Dr. Madan Kataria, founder of the worldwide Laughter Yoga movement. Each year, this special day brings people together to promote peace and joy through the universal language of laughter. At a time when global challenges and personal stresses can leave us feeling disconnected, coming together to laugh offers a powerful reminder of our shared humanity.
To celebrate, UK Laughter Yoga Ambassador, Positive Psychologist, and Therapist Lesley Lyle has organised a special laughter workshop at:
The Retreat, Christchurch
Sunday, May 4th, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
This engaging workshop is based on laughter yoga principles but goes beyond to include:
- Insights into the fascinating research behind laughter’s effects
- Games and activities specifically designed to provoke natural laughter
- Techniques to bring more laughter into your daily life
- A supportive environment where everyone can laugh freely
Men and Laughter: A Special Invitation
Research shows that men often have fewer opportunities for social laughter than women. Many men report that as they age, their friendship circles narrow, and occasions for genuine, uninhibited laughter become increasingly rare. This is unfortunate, as the health benefits of laughter are particularly valuable for men, who statistically face higher risks of heart disease and stress-related conditions.
To encourage more men to experience the benefits of laughter therapy, we’re offering 5 free places specifically for men at this World Laughter Day workshop because we believe everyone deserves access to this natural medicine.
About Your Workshop Facilitator
Lesley Lyle is the published author of “Laugh Your Way to Happiness” and brings extraordinary expertise as both a positive psychologist and clinical hypnotherapist. She was personally trained by Dr. Madan Kataria in India in 2011, learning laughter yoga directly from its founder. Lesley has dedicated over a decade to running free community laughter workshops and has taught the science of laughter within university psychology courses.
Under Lesley’s expert guidance, participants discover how to access laughter as a resource for wellbeing, regardless of their mood or circumstances.
Book Your Place Today
Regular tickets are priced at £12 each, or bring a friend and pay just £20 for two.
Men interested in one of the free places should use the code “LAUGHMORE” when booking through Eventbrite.
Spaces are limited to ensure a quality experience for all participants.
Book directly on Eventbrite:
World Laughter Day Workshop
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothes that allow movement
- Water bottle
- An open mind
- Your willingness to laugh!
Join us for an evening of joy, connection, and healing laughter in celebration of World Laughter Day. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you!
“We don’t laugh because we’re happy – we’re happy because we laugh.” – William James