A special “laughter yoga” workshop is coming to Dundee next weekend and organisers are confident their giggle-inducing exercises will prove contagious.
People who laugh habitually are 40% less likely to have a heart attack and Sharon Miller, director of Joyworks, the company running the session, said there are many other health benefits to the workshop.
“Laughter is so contagious and when you’re laughing your body’s getting all these benefits,” she said. “Everyone gets a natural high because the endorphins are released.
“When you’re laughing, you’re really yourself again and when you laugh, you can connect to other people. A lot of people are attracted to come to the classes because they are feeling low.”
While more introverted people may find the idea of standing laughing with a group of strangers rather daunting, Sharon said her team make sure no one is put on the spot.
“They can maybe take a wee bit longer to get into it but because someone isn’t really gregarious it doesn’t mean they aren’t laughing along,” she said.
The sessions work by interspersing laughter yoga with other exercises, including playmaking, competitive games, breathing and relaxation exercises and techniques.
Sharon said: “We’ve been going for about five years. My background’s in theatre and drama and I always say if you’re not really laughing, you get your money back.
“I’ve only given money back once.”
The workshop will be held at White Room Yoga, Old Mill Complex, Brown Street, Dundee, on Saturday, 11am-12.30pm. Anyone wishing to take part in Saturday’s session can find out more at joyworks.co.uk.