Laughter Yoga: Health, Happiness & Connection at #GCF26

Yoga without the poses? As part of the Gailimh Ah-Boo celebrations, Galway Comedy Festival is connecting audiences with Laughter Yoga: a practice combining deep breathing with laughter exercises to get people giggling and feeling good together. Discover all about it below...

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This October Bank Holiday Sunday in Massimo, Laughter Yoga will bring two interactive workshops: for children and families (12 noon), and Over 16s (1.30pm). Classes will be led by Louise Burchall, a qualified Laughter Yoga Leader and trainer with 13 years’ experience.

So what is Laughter Yoga? This is Yoga through laughter exercises, playfulness, and simple breathing techniques. There are no traditional yoga poses, and no special clothes, level of fitness, or previous experience are required.

“The idea is surprisingly simple,” says Louise. “We start by choosing to laugh, and very quickly that laughter becomes natural and contagious. It’s a great way to switch off, connect with other people and enjoy a really good laugh. People sometimes arrive wondering how on earth they’re supposed to laugh when nothing funny has happened. Then five minutes later the whole room is in stitches.”

There are no jokes to learn. All that is needed is for participants to be willing to get silly together. “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people,” Louise adds. “When combined with deep breathing, it becomes a powerful tool for health, happiness, and connection."

Karen Healy, manager of Massimo, is encouraging the public to give Laughter Yoga a go: “They say we have to try new things, and this is definitely a new one for us. Massimo is delighted to be part of this year's Festival, bringing you laughter and zen with Laughter Yoga. Forget downward dog; this is about getting your funny bone moving. See ye on the mat.”

Book your tickets at galwaycomedyfestival.ie. For the full spooktacular Gaillimh Ah-Boo programme visit gaillimhahboo.ie.

Photos of Louise Burchall courtesy Galway Comedy Festival.