Laughter Yoga for Mental Health
Laughter Yoga as a Nursing Intervention, NOVA Publications , ss.161-172, 2026
- Yayın Türü: Kitapta Bölüm / Araştırma Kitabı
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Yayınevi: NOVA Publications
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.161-172
- Anahtar Kelimeler: health, laughter yoga, mental health, nursing
- Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Laughter yoga is a non-invasive, non-pharmacological, easily applicable, cost-effective, and effective exercise program that supports both physical and mental health. It is employed as a complementary medicine technique in the protection, treatment, and rehabilitation of mental health. Laughter yoga facilitates the activation of the parasympathetic system, which is responsible for relaxing the body by stimulating vagal tone. During laughter, it is known that limbic system structures such as the hippocampus and amygdala are active. Laughter yoga has been reported to be effective in the release of significant happiness hormones such as dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins, as well as in reducing the stress hormone cortisol, thereby contributing to mental well-being. Scientific evidence indicates that this practice is a valuable tool with positive effects on mental health parameters, including stress management, anxiety, depression, psychological resilience, loneliness, quality of life, well-being, and happiness levels. There is a need for high-quality studies that objectively evaluate the effects of laughter yoga on mental health using measurable parameters. It is recommended that health professionals participate in laughter yoga leadership training programs and incorporate laughter yoga into processes for maintaining, treating, and rehabilitating mental health.