Q & A  With the Happiest Girl In Bondi- Laugh and live well’s Connie Costa

Firstly what inspired you to start Laughter Yoga?

I started laughter yoga because I was exploring different mind-body practices and relaxation tools. I was looking for ways to balance the effects of stress on the mind and body. After my first laughter yoga session, I felt less stressed, more relaxed and uplifted too. In my view, that’s what gave laughter yoga its distinct edge.

How long have you been running Laugh and Live Well?

Laugh and Live Well was founded in July 2014.

Any future plans for Laugh and Live Well?

Laugh and Live Well aims to increase awareness about the therapeutic power of laughter. Through our interactive laughter yoga and laughter wellness workshops, we enable people to feel the benefits of laughter first hand. We work with businesses, schools, universities, seniors and community groups, to share tools that people can use for enhanced holistic health. We also run Bondi Beach Laughter Club, a non-profit community club, where community members can laugh for health and happiness, in a casual setting each week.

What benefits do attendees generally say they experience that differs from regular yoga?

It’s called laughter yoga because it involves deep breathing exercises that bring the mind and body into a state of relaxation – it doesn’t involve yoga poses. Laughter yoga is a dynamic, highly interactive, gentle aerobic exercise program. Exercises alternate between laughter, clapping and breathing exercises. Laughter yoga increases energy levels, boosts mood and increases social connection, as you bond with those you laugh with. People often say that they feel positive, relaxed and energised after a session.

Other benefits that people share, is that they walk out smiling, smile more throughout the week and see the lighter side of life, rather than taking things too seriously.

What challenges do people face in their first session?

Laughter yoga is playful and interactive. For some people, it may involve stepping out of their comfort zone. To get the most out of the experience, attendees need to be open minded and willing to laugh for no reason, which can take a little getting used to. A session starts with an introduction that gives people some context and people are fully guided through the process. At around ten minutes into the laughter workout, people tend to get into the zone and laughter is contagious.
FIND THE LAUGHTER:

http://www.laughandlivewell.com.au

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https://twitter.com/laughnlivewell

– Renee Wardle

Workshop Specialist, Renee Wardle, is in the works for publishing her first novel. A “Hermione Granger” at heart she  is constantly learning about people, places and things.