Laughter is the best medicine

Stephanie Elliot, our Community Manager at Green Hills Residential Care Service is continually on the lookout for ways to engage and bring enjoyment to residents at Green Hills. She heard about ‘Laughter Yoga’ and thought it might be something residents and staff would enjoy. 

Laughter yoga has many health benefits which include having a better mood, feeling more energetic, reducing stress, strengthening the immune system, and creating a positive mental state. It also improves the quality of life through connection with others and promotes an optimistic outlook.  

Despite everyone feeling a bit nervous and unsure about how this laughter therapy would work, 15 willing participants turned up to give their first Yoga session a go with Yogi, Rachelle. 

Stephanie said it was a great success. “Within minutes of the session start, the laughter began, and we all decided to get right into it. We thought, ‘the crazier we seem, the better’. For 30 minutes we laughed and laughed. By the end of it, we were exhausted but felt so happy.” 

Before having a chance to pack up, Yogi Rachelle was immediately surrounded by a very happy group of residents who wanted to know when she would be back. All were unanimous that this was something to do again. One resident stated, “In all the years I’ve lived here, this was one of the best days I have ever had and I feel so good”.  

Yogi Rachelle has since returned for more sessions, which was enjoyed by an even larger group of residents. The word about Laughter Yoga had spread.   At the residents’ request, laughter yoga will become a monthly activity at Green Hills Residential Care Service.