The Hour

Glasgow based Joyworks is a theatre arts company specialising in laughter workshops, which provides exercise for both the body and the mind.

The aim of the group is to get people laughing, which scientists say boosts the immune system by 40 per cent, boosts fertility by 35 per cent and that one minute of giggling is the equivalent of ten minutes on a rowing machine.

The group is open to all and is run by Sharon Miller who has worked extensively in the creative arts and mental health fields.

“In society today there are so many things we do on our own. It’s nice to come together and laugh for no reason,” said Miller.

The participants themselves are testimony to the group’s success and positive impact.

“You go away feeling very relaxed. I work in quite an intense job so you can be stressed. You come here and forget about your worries, have a laugh…you feel great,” said one member.

The therapy was started in 1995 by Dr Madan Kataria who embraced laughter’s health and psychological benefits. Dr Kataria’s laughter yoga is part of world peace process based on the principle that when you’re laughing with somebody, you’re loving them.

For more information visit Joyworks and Laughter Network