The chuckles can be heard when you pass Atheneum club in Falmouth, which hosts Laughter Club every month.
On a late Tuesday evening, a diverse group of people is visibly energised and
In intervals group of strangers rhythmically claps to “ho, ho, ha ha ha”, throw invisible balls of laughter to the nearest person and deliberately seeks eye contact around the room whilst giggling.
Welcome to Laugher Club in Falmouth.
The practice is relatively new form of exercise, founded by Indian physician Dr Madan Kataria in 1995. Who scientifically proven that when we laugh, we get the psychological and physical benefits. Some practitioners call it ‘internal jogging’ and claim that body doesn’t know when we are faking laugh, therefore benefits from spontaneous laugh are the same as we are really laughing.
Additionally, laughter helps to overcome your internal fears, thus it serves as internal trauma-release therapie. Paulo Coelho, writes in his book “The witch of Portobello”: Don’t be like those people who believe in ‘positive thinking’ and tell themselves that they’re loved and strong and capable. You don’t need to do that, because you know it already. And when you doubt it – which happens, I think, quite often at this stage of evolution – do as I suggested.
“Instead of trying to prove that you’re better than you think, just laugh. Laugh at your worries and insecurities. View your anxieties with humour. It will be difficult at first, but you’ll gradually get used to it.”
The well know philosophical writer claims that laughter is the route to the inner calm and tranquility. And if that doesn’t convince to join the class, you just have to google other benefits of laughter and you’ll see there is no end of fantastic reasons to dove it a go.
“The exercises encourage laughter and as a result we feel good naturally!” say Laughter Club organisers. “it helps to reduce stress and boost the immune system, as well as gives a good workout for diaphragm and facial muscles.”
To start with, the laugh is simulated but within minutes sense of playfulness overwhelms everyone and laughter become genuine.
Following that, group introduces new exercise which combines breathing and laughter. During that, participants take a deep breath and then laugh as they exhale. Strikingly, after repeating this several times laughter comes naturally and becomes contagious. That is an example of how brain develops new neuronal connections that precipitate positive reactions in the body.
‘You will leave with a unique feeling of being equally energised and relaxed’ says Emma, Laughter instructor.
In her classes Emma apply various role-play activities, asking participants to make tea or get dressed, whilst laughing and making eye contact with people around.
At the end of the laughter session, initial strangers leave the room as a friends and repeatedly use positive words like ‘very good’ and ‘excellent’ which clearly reflect the joyful atmosphere.
‘Never imagined I would laugh so much and it totally turned my day around, I would be happy to have daily sessions!”, said the regular participant of the class.
And you know what, absolutely everyone in the class would echo this experience.
The unusual yoga class surely attracts the attention and carefree atmosphere in the class could be intimidating to start with. But next time you feel stressed and overwhelmed with everyday chores consider bringing more laughter into your life.
Falmouth Laughter Club is hosed once a month at the Athenaeum Club at 7:30 p.m till 9 p.m. Classes cost £5 per person and there’s no need to book, just turn up. Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and be ready to laugh.