Pranali Dhamankar, Founder of Pranavi Connect, cues Amber Dias in on how laughter is more than an emotion — it is a simple yet transformative practice for healthier, happier living.
There is something wonderfully simple about the act of laughter. It can brighten a moment, lighten the mind, and create a sense of connection with those around us. For Pranali Dhamankar, Founder of Pranavi Connect, laughter is also a powerful wellness practice. Through laughter yoga, she encourages people to embrace joy, strengthen resilience, and support their overall wellbeing at every stage of life.
For those unfamiliar with the concept, how would you explain laughter yoga and the philosophy behind it?
Laughter yoga is a unique wellness practice that combines intentional laughter exercises with deep yogic breathing. Unlike regular laughter, it does not rely on jokes, humour, or comedy. We choose to laugh as a form of exercise, and through eye contact, playfulness, and group energy, that simulated laughter often becomes genuine laughter.
The philosophy behind laughter yoga is based on a simple yet powerful idea: The body cannot distinguish between real and intentional laughter. Both create similar physiological and psychological benefits. By laughing without needing a reason, we can positively influence our mood, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
What are some of the biggest mental, emotional, and physical benefits of laughter yoga?
Laughter yoga offers benefits on multiple levels.
• Mentally, it helps interrupt negative thought patterns, reduce anxiety, and improve focus and mental clarity.
• Emotionally, laughter acts as a release valve for stress, helping people feel lighter, more connected, and emotionally resilient. It encourages a sense of optimism and joy even during challenging times.
• Physically, laughter increases oxygen intake, stimulates circulation, relaxes muscles, and triggers the release of endorphins. It also helps lower stress hormones such as cortisol, which can have a positive impact on overall health.
In today’s high-stress world, why do you think practices like laughter yoga resonate so strongly with people?
We live in a world where many people are constantly connected, but often disconnected from themselves. Stress, deadlines, information overload, and daily pressures have become part of everyday life.
Laughter yoga provides a simple and accessible way to pause, breathe, and reconnect. It doesn’t require special skills, equipment, or fitness levels. In just a few minutes, people can experience a noticeable shift in energy and mood. What resonates most is that it gives people permission to let go, be playful, and experience joy without needing everything in life to be perfect first.
How can laughter yoga support people as they grow older, both physically and emotionally?
Healthy ageing is not just about adding years to life, it’s about adding life to those years.
As we age, maintaining emotional well-being, social connection, and physical vitality becomes increasingly important. Laughter yoga supports healthy ageing by encouraging movement, deep breathing, mental stimulation, and positive social interaction.
Regular laughter can help reduce feelings of loneliness, boost mood, improve energy levels, and create a greater sense of community. It also encourages a more positive outlook on life, which plays a significant role in emotional resilience and overall well-being as we grow older.
What is the one thing you wish more people understood about the power of laughter and joyful movement in everyday life?
I wish more people understood that you don’t need to wait until you feel happy to laugh. Most people believe laughter is the result of happiness. In reality, laughter can be a pathway to happiness. A few moments of intentional laughter and joyful movement can shift our state, improve our energy, and help us navigate life’s challenges with greater ease. Joy is not something we find at the end of the journey — it is something we can choose to create along the way.
Sometimes the simplest wellness practice is also the most powerful: Taking a deep breath, sharing a smile, and allowing yourself to laugh.
Laughter Yoga For You
Greeting Laughter
Stand comfortably, take a deep breath, and greet yourself in the mirror or greet a family member while laughing gently. This helps create an immediate mood shift.
Cell Phone Laughter
Pretend you’re receiving the funniest phone call of your life and laugh while listening and responding.
Deep Laughter Breathing
Inhale deeply through the nose. Hold your breath for a few seconds. Exhale slowly while smiling or laughing gently. Repeat three to five times.
