Benefits of Laughter Yoga in the Workplace

''Elspeth ran a Laughter Yoga session for our NHS Trust and it was absolutely brilliant. Her enthusiasm and laughter is contagious and all of the staff attending left with a big smile on their face and a spring in their step. Laughter yoga is the ultimate feel-good session and Elspeth was just fabulous.'

Hollie Montague, Staff Wellbeing Officer, Royal Surrey NHS Trust

Laughter Yoga is a powerful yet simple tool that can bring huge benefits to the workplace, boosting morale, creativity, and overall team cohesion. In a hi-tec and often high-stress professional environment, laughter yoga provides a refreshing way to reconnect, re-energize, and foster a positive atmosphere.

One of the key benefits of laughter yoga is its ability to reduce stress. Laughter lowers levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, which helps employees feel more relaxed and focused. This reduction in stress can also improve mental clarity and resilience, making it easier for team members to tackle challenges with a fresh perspective and optimism. 

Another benefit is the way laughter yoga fosters a sense of connection and team spirit. In a laughter yoga session, participants engage in playful exercises that encourage eye contact and a willingness to be a bit silly, breaking down barriers and building trust. This can significantly strengthen interpersonal bonds, which is essential in fostering collaboration and open communication within a team. When people laugh together, it creates a shared positive experience, helping build camaraderie and making work a more enjoyable place to be. Laughter yoga is also an inclusive practice – anyone can participate, regardless of age, fitness level, or prior yoga experience and there’s no ‘wrong’ way of doing it.

Physical health also sees an uptick with regular laughter yoga practice. Laughter is an aerobic activity that can increase blood circulation, improve oxygen intake, and gives the body a gentle workout. Employees who feel physically well are often more productive, less likely to get sick, and generally more energetic throughout the day. This physical boost is particularly important in sedentary office environments where physical activity might otherwise be limited.

Laughter yoga is a fantastic tool for creativity as well. It disrupts routine thinking patterns, opening up new pathways for innovation and problem-solving. By letting go of seriousness for a short period, employees can return to their tasks with a refreshed outlook, often seeing solutions they hadn’t considered before. This mindset shift can be particularly useful during brainstorming sessions or when tackling challenging projects.

Finally, implementing laughter yoga at work can serve as a great morale booster and a fun perk that employees genuinely enjoy. A short laughter yoga session can reframe a busy day, bringing levity and energy to the workplace. It shows that the organization values employees' well-being and is open to out-of-the-box approaches to mental health. Over time, this commitment to well-being can improve job satisfaction and reduce turnover, creating a happier, more stable team.

Incorporating laughter yoga into the workplace is a simple yet effective way to foster a healthier, happier, and more connected team. It’s a unique offering that benefits both individuals and the collective work environment, making it an invaluable tool for modern workplaces looking to prioritise holistic well-being and sustainable productivity.

Click here to find out more about my laughter yoga sessions and read some testimonials. 

Get in touch to find out how I can bring some laughter joy to your workplace. elspeth@joyfuloutdoors.co.uk