Laughter & Play for Wellbeing

Learn about and practice laughter yoga, combined with theater exercises. Laughter yoga (distinct from traditional movement-based yoga) is a modality that integrates laughter exercises with yogic breathing. Explore the growing field of research on laughter yoga and its positive effects on wellbeing and other health outcomes. Examine the various dimensions of laughter yoga as a form of cardiovascular and aerobic exercise, mindfulness, and play. Use theater exercises to leverage the power of performative, healing laughter and to cultivate embodied awareness, creativity, resilience, and joy. Readings and exercises will draw from the work of pioneers in the fields of laughter wellness and socially engaged theater, such as Madan Kataria and Augusto Boal.