What happens in a Laughter Yoga session

What happens in a Laughter Yoga session is usually the first thing people ask when they get in touch – and it’s a great question.

So let us share a big secret straight away: you do NOT need to be happy to take part. And you won’t need a yoga mat or a pair of Lycra leggings either.

Laughter Yoga is a series of simulated laughter exercises combined with deep breathing. It works because your body cannot tell the difference between laughter that happens naturally and laughter that is started on purpose – so the benefits are real either way. No jokes, no comedy, no humour required.

Serious Laughter delivers sessions across Manchester, Cheshire, London, and the wider UK – both in person and online.

How Much Space Does a Laughter Yoga Session Need?

One of the most common practical questions is about space – and the good news is that you don’t need much.

For a 30-minute session, participants simply need enough room to stand with their arms stretched out to the sides, either in rows or a circle if a smaller group.

For a 60-minute session, it helps to have a little more space so that everyone can lie on the floor comfortably for the laughter meditation and deep relaxation at the end (sometimes called non-sleep deep rest or Yoga Nidra). Fleece blankets and inflatable pillows are provided, so nobody needs to bring anything.

An enclosed room works best – ideally without tables in the middle, or with furniture moved to the edges. Hallways or open-plan areas where people can walk past tend to disrupt the energy of the group. Most meeting rooms, training spaces, and community halls work really well.

What to Expect in a Laughter Yoga Session

Breathing first

Every session begins with breathwork. You will be gently guided through deep Yogic breathing – known as Pranayama – which relaxes the body and brings the mind into the present moment. Deep breathing reduces stress in ways that are well documented – and this is where Laughter Yoga starts.

It sounds simple, but many participants say they had never really noticed their breathing before. Taking a few slow, deep breaths makes a bigger difference than most people expect.

Getting the laughter going

Once everyone is settled and breathing well, you will begin activating the muscles used for laughter – starting gently with the face and building up to deeper, more physical laughter from the abdomen.

There is no pressure to feel funny or happy. The laughter starts deliberately, simulating it with words, and within just a few minutes, something interesting tends to happen – it becomes real.

Laughter Yoga Exercises: What Do You Actually Do?

The main part of the session involves around 10 to 15 Laughter Yoga exercises. Some are inspired by everyday situations you will instantly recognise. Others are more playful and a little unexpected.

The exercises are designed to work even if someone arrives feeling sceptical or low in mood – which is very common, and completely fine. Most people notice a shift within just a few minutes. If you’d like a taste of what these look like, here are some laughter yoga exercises you can try for yourself.

Depending on the session format, Bollywood Laughter Dance may also be included. It is a joyful, upbeat movement activity that lifts energy and brings an extra layer of fun to the group.

How Does a Laughter Yoga Session End?

30-minute session

Towards the end, you will be guided through a short grounding exercise – a gentle breathing and relaxation practice to bring the energy back down and leave you feeling settled and clear-headed.

45-minute session

This format includes laughter exercises, Bollywood Laughter Dance, and a short deep relaxation – a great option for teams looking to prevent burnout and reset during a busy day.

60-minute session

The full session ends with a laughter meditation – which, despite what the name suggests, is not quiet! You will typically lie on your back, close your eyes, and allow the cathartic release of stress to come out as laughter. Inflated pillows and soft fleece blankets are provided for comfort.

This is followed by a guided body relaxation – a deeply restorative 15 to 20 minutes of non-sleep deep rest with breathwork to complete the experience.

The Benefits You’ll Feel After a Laughter Yoga Session

Participants regularly describe feeling relaxed, energised, and lighter after a session. With more oxygen in the brain and stress hormones reduced, many people find they feel unusually focused and clear afterwards – ready to get back to work with a renewed sense of perspective.

The laughter yoga benefits go beyond the session itself. Regular participation supports stress relief, improves mood, strengthens social connection, and builds resilience over time.

Is Laughter Yoga Right for Your Workplace or Community?

Laughter Yoga sessions are suitable for corporate teams, NHS organisations, schools, charities, and community groups. Whether you are looking for a workplace wellbeing session, a team building activity with a difference, or an online laughter yoga experience, Serious Laughter can tailor a session to suit your group. All sessions are delivered by Sunny Turner, accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT).

As part of our social impact model, corporate bookings help fund free community session spaces, and charities receive a discounted rate.

To enquire about booking a 30, 45 or 60-minute session or keynote, simply email your venue postcode, approximate number of participants, and preferred date to happy@seriouslaughter.co.uk or call 07974 778091.

You can also submit a corporate workshop enquiry here or download our Services Pack for full details on the sessions we offer.

We offer charity rates to help communities through our Corporate Social Responsibility – contact us to find out more

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Frequently Asked Questions About Laughter Yoga Sessions

Do I need to be in a good mood to attend a Laughter Yoga session? Not at all. You don’t need to feel happy, funny, or even sociable. Laughter Yoga is based on simulated laughter exercises, which means the laughter is started deliberately, and the benefits follow regardless of how you feel when you walk in.

Do I need any experience or fitness to take part? No experience or fitness level is required. Sessions are fully inclusive and adaptable. You will spend most of the time standing or moving gently, with the option to lie down during the relaxation section of longer sessions.

How long is a Laughter Yoga session? Serious Laughter offers 30-minute, 45-minute, and 60-minute session formats to suit different group sizes and time constraints.

Is Laughter Yoga suitable for workplaces? Yes, corporate laughter yoga sessions are among the most popular offerings. They work well as team-building activities, staff wellbeing days, conference icebreakers, and Mental Health Awareness Month events.

Can Laughter Yoga sessions be delivered online? Yes. Online laughter yoga sessions on Zoom are just as effective as in-person sessions. Many teams across the UK choose the online option for remote or hybrid workforces.