Live, Love, Laugh(ter) Yoga

Free laughter yoga sessions have started at Bolton Clarke Fernhill, Caboolture Retirement Living, and will run fortnightly as part of the federally funded Village Hub program.

The sessions are organised by HeatherJoy Campbell, the principal of The Happydemic and Queensland’s lead facilitator in laughter wellbeing.

HeatherJoy trained with the founder of Laughter Yoga Dr Madan Kataria in India, and received her accreditation to teach the practice.

“I currently facilitate three laughter clubs in Moreton Bay. The sessions are held at Caboolture, Woody Point and North Lakes,” HeatherJoy says.

“Participants can expect each session to be a series of playful moments, gentle stretching, slow movement, diaphragmatic breathwork and deep belly laughs. The simple act of interspersing playful exercise with laughter does wonders for the body and mind.”

The Village Hub program aims to reduce social isolation and loneliness among Caboolture seniors.

“Laughter clubs lift spirits and heart rate, gently. You don’t need to know anyone to come along. You become part of ‘the gang’ within minutes,” she says.

The Caboolture sessions are for over 55s, but all ages are welcome at the Woody Point and North Lakes laughter clubs. The Woody Point sessions are part of the Healthy and Active Moreton program and cost $4 per person.

“My giveback to the community is our North Lakes laughter club, which is completely free for all ages,” HeatherJoy explains.

Bookings are required for the Caboolture sessions. 

Find out more information by phoning Village Hub Co-ordinator, Kerrie on 0427 351 602.

The Caboolture sessions will be held fortnightly on Tuesdays from 2pm at Jacaranda Cafe, 103 King St, Caboolture. 

The benefits of laughter yoga

• Lowers stress hormones
• Improves the immune system
• Improves short-term memory
• Releases endorphins and oxytocin
• Improves mindfulness

See photos of laughter yoga below (click through)

Photos by Dominika Lis