KEEP Tuesday nights free for a good ol’ cackle, snort and hoot – at Laugh out Loud classes at Riverstone.
Debra Martin holds the classes from 7.00-7.40pm every Tuesday at Riverstone Uniting Church hall “for anyone who wants to be happy”.
The classes are now in their 10th week and have a dedicated band of attendees.
So why a laughter class?
Debra said ‘laughter yoga’ was a thing, but wasn’t able to attend classes in the city so started her own.
“We use bits and pieces from laughter yoga, play games and just act like idiots!” she said, laughing.
“Laughter has so many benefits – it relieves anxiety and stress, releases endorphins which elevate mood and reduce pain, it increases brain function, increases immunity and stimulates and massages your organs,” she said.
“We play games like hokey pokey, bulrush, what’s the time Mr Wolf, we choo choo round the hall like a train, we play a game where one person has to keep a straight face while everyone tries to make them laugh … if we have the door open the people at the petrol station across the road wonder what we’re doing!
“Play has so many benefits too – it regenerates that youthful feeling and is so healthy for you.” And oddly, she said forced laughter has the same benefits as real laughter.
Comfortable clothes should be worn and mobiles should be left in the car.
The hall is at the corner of Garfield Road and Oxford Street.
