Wellness Program Introduces Joyful Laughing Yoga Practice

Monthly event at Lake Monticello blends laughter exercises with breathing to boost well-being.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A monthly wellness program at Lake Monticello in Virginia recently introduced participants to Laughing Yoga, a therapeutic practice that combines simulated laughter exercises with deep breathing to promote physical and emotional well-being. The 30-40 minute session included breathing warm-ups, playful games, and guided laughter activities that encouraged interaction and eye contact, making the laughter increasingly contagious.

Why it matters

As adults, many people lose the ease of being playful. Laughing Yoga offers a structured way to rediscover that sense of lightness and joy, providing physical, mental, and social benefits through laughter and deep breathing exercises.

The details

Laughing Yoga is a practice developed by Dr. Madan Kataria that blends intentional laughter with diaphragmatic breathing. The session at Lake Monticello included activities like "laughter milkshake," where participants pretend to mix and drink a beverage while laughing, and "electric handshake," where partners simulate a mild shock while shaking hands and laughing. The exercises encouraged eye contact and interaction to make the laughter increasingly contagious.

  • The monthly wellness program took place on February 21, 2026.

The players

Cynthia Moore

Hosts the monthly wellness programs at Lake Monticello.

Marge Thompson

Led the Laughing Yoga session at the wellness program.

Dr. Madan Kataria

Developed the Laughing Yoga therapeutic approach.

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What they’re saying

“It's discovering a joyful, simple, and uplifting way to move your body, calm your mind, and boost your well-being. You don't need comedy or a great sense of humor — just a willingness to laugh.”

— Cynthia Moore, Wellness program host (Fluvanna Review)

“Laughter is powerful medicine. It can reduce stress and tension for up to 24 hours, improve circulation and oxygen intake, gently engage the heart and lungs, and provide low-impact physical activity without special equipment or clothing.”

— Marge Thompson, Laughing Yoga session leader (Fluvanna Review)

The takeaway

Laughing Yoga provides an accessible and enjoyable way for adults to rediscover the benefits of playfulness and laughter, promoting physical, mental, and social well-being through a blend of simulated laughter and deep breathing exercises.