Laughter Yoga – a little bit of magic for body, mind & your gut 🌿😄

johannaschneiderhe
Apr 30
2 min read

by Johanna Schneider – Holistic Health Coach

A smile that comes from the heart can have much more impact than we think – especially in phases when PMDD, HPU, or a sensitive gut make everyday life challenging.

As a certified Laughter Yoga instructor, I have personally experienced how this simple practice calms the nervous system, brightens the mind, and even positively influences the brain-gut connection.

Why Laughter Yoga is so special

Everyone can laugh – without a reason
No humor, no jokes, no comedy needed. We simply start laughing – as an exercise, playfully and together in a group.
Childlike playfulness & eye contact
Laughter quickly becomes genuine and contagious when we connect with others and experience the moment consciously.
Laughter exercises + yoga breathing
That’s why it’s called Laughter Yoga: the laughter is combined with deep, conscious breathing, allowing the body to take in more oxygen – making us feel more vital, lighter, and healthier.
Intentional laughter works like spontaneous laughter
Scientifically proven: your body does not distinguish between intentional and spontaneous laughter – the physiological and psychological effects are the same.
A globally proven method
Dr. Madan Kataria started in 1995 in Mumbai with only five people. Today, there are thousands of Laughter Yoga clubs in over 100 countries – from yoga studios to schools, clinics, companies, and senior centers.

My Experience – Laughing in Challenging Times

I have often used Laughter Yoga when my PMDD symptoms were strong or on days when my gut was sensitive. It feels like a gentle massage for the soul: tension releases, the body relaxes, and even the everyday worries fade into the background.

The brain-gut connection is supported in the process: Laughter Yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reduces stress hormones, and can help positively influence gut function – a win-win effect for both body and mind.

Laughing Together – Simply Beautiful

The greatest benefit is the community: meeting with other people to laugh, play together, and enjoy the moment. It creates an energy that brings joy, lightness, and connection.

My Laughter Yoga Sessions

Thursday of the month – 07:00 CET (German)
Thursday of the month – 07:00 CET (English)

Duration: 20 minutes ·

beginner-friendly · slow & gentle

Format: Online via Zoom · free of charge

If you would like to join, you can register via my Laughter Yoga offerings page – you will then automatically receive an email with the Zoom link. Simple, easy, and ready to start immediately.

✨ Laughter doesn’t need happiness first – we simply start, and the body does the rest.

Positive Effects of Laughter Yoga

Calming of the nervous system
Activation of the brain-gut axis, stress reduction
Increased oxygen intake & vitality
Release of endorphins – natural feel-good hormones
Strengthening of the immune system
Improvement of mood & energy
Promotion of social connection and community

Conclusion: Laughter Yoga is more than just laughter – it’s a practice that nourishes body, mind, and soul equally. In just 20 minutes in the morning, you can bring balance, lightness, and energy into your everyday life – whether you’re on the road in a van or at home.

✨ Want to try Laughter Yoga yourself?

Visit my homepage, click on my “Offerings”, and scroll all the way down to register for the next Laughter Yoga sessions. After registering, you will automatically receive an email with the Zoom link.