The Simple Things

Taking time to live well
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Taking Time to Live Well

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Illustrations by Anneliese Klos

Wellbeing | Exercise your laughter muscle

Iona Bower August 22, 2023

Try this simple laughter exercise from Melissa at Big LoLz

1 Find a quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed.

2 Stand up and take a few deep breaths. Shake off any tension or stress that you may be feeling and allow your body to completely relax.

3 Fake it until you make it. Start with a small chuckle and gradually increase the intensity. It may feel forced at first, but that’s okay.

4 If you’re struggling, try repeating phrases like “ho ho ha ha” or “ha ha hee hee” while laughing. Experiment with different sounds and variations to find what feels most natural to you.

5 Notice how your mind tries to get in the way. Don’t worry about how you sound or look; just focus on fully embracing the joyful feeling that laughter brings.

6 Keep going. Sustain the laughter for several minutes. Allow it to build and continue without forcing it. If the laughter subsides, bring it back by using the laughter prompts again.

7 Relax and enjoy. Gradually reduce the intensity of laughter and take a couple of moments to breathe deeply and enjoy all of the benefits of the practice.

This exercise is meant to be playful and enjoyable, so don’t be afraid to really let go and have fun with it! If you’d like to try a laughter yoga class, find out more about Melissa and Holly’s workshops on Insta: @energetics.explained or at energeticsexplained.com.

The laughter exercise above is from our August issue feature, ‘Looking for LOLs’, which is all about rediscovering your laughter.

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In Wellbeing Tags issue 134, wellbeing, laughter
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  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Order  our new Celebrations Anthology   Pre-order a copy of  Flourish 4 , our new wellbeing bookazine   Listen to  our podcast  – Small Ways to Live Well
Aug 29, 2025
Aug 29, 2025

Buy, download or subscribe

See the sample of our latest issue here

Order our new Celebrations Anthology

Pre-order a copy of Flourish 4, our new wellbeing bookazine 

Listen to our podcast – Small Ways to Live Well

Aug 29, 2025
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The Simple Things is published by Iceberg Press

The Simple Things

Taking time to live well

We celebrate slowing down, enjoying what you have, making the most of where you live, enjoying the company of of friends and family, and feeding them well. We like to grow some of our own vegetables, visit local markets, rummage for vintage finds, and decorate our home with the plunder. We love being outdoors and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with a job well done.

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