UK instructor introduces laughing yoga to help relieve stress associated with weak economy
Laughter can do wonders for improving one's mood. Because chuckling is generally associated with positive memories – such as joking around with friends or watching a funny movie – just the act of giggling can set off chemical reactions in the brain that help one feel better.
This may be why many yoga instructors are adding laughter to their classes. The holistic mind-body regimen – which employs breathing exercises and gentle stretches to help enhance enthusiasts' physical, mental and emotional health – is already an effective way to relieve stress, but adding a few hearty guffaws can add to these positive effects.
The UK newspaper This Is Local London recently reported that yoga teacher Liza Moon has been hired by the Waltham Forest Community Learning and Skills Service to introduce laughing yoga at schools throughout the region of Chingford.
According to Moon, this program is especially important in light of the weak economy, which has caused much stress.
"At a time when people are going to be affected because they are losing their jobs, this is something that can help with depression and lift up people's mindsets," she told the news source. "It is such a simple thing but it can do so much for a person's health."
