When last did you laugh until it hurt? Sharon Chetty, an international laughter ambassador, brings the transformative power of laughter to Durban and helps people reconnect, heal and rediscover joy through the simple act of laughing.
Sharon Chetty’s purpose goes beyond the confines of a traditional job. As an ex-educator whose passion lies in natural health and longevity, her mission as a local laughter yogi is not just to help people relax, but to spread laughter and joy, and bring the transformative power of this rapidly growing phenomenon – practiced in many different cultures – to her local community and beyond.
“Laughter yoga took me out of a journey of depression 12 years ago, after a personal loss in my life. My transformation from within drew me to learn more about the power of laughter,” says Sharon, who trained and certified as a Laughter Yoga Leader in Switzerland nine years ago, and also founded the first Geneva Laughter Club.
“Given the challenges our country was going through post Covid, there was a need to inject positivity and healing amidst our society.”
This need became a reality in May this year when Sharon opened the Umhlanga Laughter Club at La Lucia Library. Here, she holds sessions once a month on a Saturday. As the community is becoming more aware of how beneficial laughter yoga is to the mind, body and the soul, so her numbers have grown and she has opened herself up to host tailored sessions across corporate and private sectors, as well as within educational and cultural institutions, retirement homes, hospitals, orphanages and at health and wellness events.
What it’s all about …
To fully understand what Sharon does – and it has a lot to do with connecting with your inner child – you must first get to grips with what laughter yoga is all about.
“It’s a unique form of exercise that blends intentional laughter with deep yogic breathing (pranayama) and creates a holistic approach to wellness that benefits both body and mind. Through shared joy and playful interaction, participants let go of all their suppressed laughter and leave on a contagious high that lasts for days and has huge benefits to increase happiness.”
Sharon adds that through her sessions she can build a space where people can feel free, open and truly happy while transcending the everyday pressures of life.
How it works …
It really is the easiest, most fun form of yoga, and each session combines physical movement with rhythmic breathing and playful activities to generate and sustain laughter.
The main components of a session include:
Warm-up: Clapping and rhythmic movements that help create energy and synchronise the group.
Laughter exercises: Activities designed to stimulate laughter until it becomes genuine. This is often achieved through eye contact, light-hearted gestures and shared mirth.
Yogic breathing: Deep breathing techniques that oxygenate the body, calm the mind and allow participants to find tranquillity amidst the fun.
“As motion brings about emotion I introduce simple dance steps and songs to raise the energy of the group, lifting spirits and reinforcing a positive vibe.”
The benefits …
Laughter yoga is known to improve physical health, reduce stress, foster a sense of connection among group members and create a lasting impact on your well-being. The classes are presented in a non-judgmental, inclusive environment where participants can let go of inhibitions, shed societal labels and embrace a childlike playfulness. Through laughter, they create happiness from within and emerge with renewed energy and positivity.
“My laughter yoga sessions are more than just an exercise- they are a celebration of life and a pathway to personal joy. By encouraging people to laugh freely and connect with each other, we are creating a community that values happiness and health. As we all laugh in the same language, the power of laughter brings people together in shared joy and creates lasting wellness, based on the fact that the body heals with play, the mind heals with laughter and the spirit heals with joy.”
Why take up laughter yoga in 2025?
Laughter is a priceless medicine Stress is a common factor that impacts negatively on our well-being today, and laughter yoga reduces stress hormones like cortisol and adrenalin while increasing endorphins which helps our mood and creates a sense of well-being.
Laughter boosts immunity Poor immune systems make our bodies susceptible to a variety of illnesses. A regular dose of laughter yoga has proven to boost immune response, anti-body production and T-cells to help our bodies resist infection.
It’s good for your internal organs Deep breathing and physical laughter exercise helps improve oxygen flow, supporting lung and heart function.
For your mental frame of mind Did you know that laughing people are seldom depressed and depressed people seldom laugh? Mental health has become a major concern today, and laughter yoga reduces tension, increases relations, improves mood and reduces anxiety and depression. It promotes social interaction and bonding, helping people feel connected and supported.
“The power of laughter is an unusual language, bringing people together in love, joy and peace, creating lasting wellness for all as we move into 2025. Moreover, it contributes to world peace one smile at a time. Joining a laughter yoga club is an investment in yourself to improve and evolve into a more positive cheerful, healthy version of yourself, because life gets better when you’re laughing.”
Laughter yoga to do in groups
Laughter yoga is a fun group activity that combines laughter exercises, deep breathing, and playfulness. Here are some ideas if you’re in the mood to invite your besties over for a DIY group laughing yoga session in the comfort of your home over the hols.
GREETING LAUGHTER
Shake hands with one another, make eye contact and laugh.
DOUBLE HANDSHAKE LAUGHTER
Greet one another with great enthusiasm. Hold both hands and jump up and down laughing.
BULLS EYE LAUGHTER
Lie on your back on the floor, heads towards the centre of the circle. Laugh aloud for no reason.
SWINGING LAUGHTER
In a circle hold hands, move foward saying the vowels raise hands and burst into laughter as you move to the center.
ARGUMENT LAUGHTER
Pretend to argue by pointing and waging index fingers at each other with a hearty laughter.
Details: You can follow Sharon on FB: Laughter Yoga with Sharon or Whatsapp 072 370 1007.
