By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Australia’s first-ever free Online Laughter Marathon will take place this Saturday 7 December from 8am to 8pm AEDT, hosted by Tecoma resident Merv Neal, this 12-hour event is designed to help Australians reduce stress and boost mental health, just in time for the hectic holiday season.
With Christmas approaching – a time often filled with both joy and stress – this event aims to ease some of that tension and replace it with tranquillity and festive cheer.
Laughter Yoga Australia’s chief executive officer Merv Neal said that managing stress is crucial for maintaining good physical and mental health.
“Christmas can be a wonderful time of year, but it also brings added pressure – whether it’s family gatherings, financial worries, or unrealistic expectations. Laughter is one of the most effective ways to manage stress,” Mr Neal said.
a local **Ranges resident** and internationally recognised expert in laughter therapy.
A recent episode of ABC TV’s ‘Catalyst’ highlighted that just “30 minutes of laughter” can reduce stress levels by up to 65 per cent.
This is precisely what the Laughter Marathon aims to achieve: to help people unwind, relax, and tap into the therapeutic benefits of laughter.
In a world-first initiative, 24 of Australia’s top Laughter Yoga Leaders will come together to deliver back-to-back, half-hour laughter sessions throughout the day.
These sessions are designed to help participants release tension, reduce negative thinking, and increase serotonin levels – all in a fun and interactive environment.
Participants can join for one or more sessions, depending on how long they can sustain their “laughter muscles,” and the event is free for anyone to take part in.
Laughter Yoga is a unique blend of voluntary laughter exercises and yoga breathing techniques.
According to Mr Neal, it’s not about finding something funny but rather engaging in laughter as a physical exercise.
“When we laugh, our muscles relax, our hearts beat faster, and our bodies release feel-good hormones like serotonin. It’s a powerful way to manage mental health, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people are dealing with heightened anxiety and stress,” he said.
He also emphasised that laughter yoga is about more than just improving one’s mood – it’s about creating a sense of connection.
“The magic of laughter yoga is that people can laugh together, even from a distance. It helps create a feeling of belonging, and that sense of connection can make a big difference to mental health,” he said.
The Laughter Marathon is designed to be inclusive for all ages and abilities.
There are no special requirements to participate – no yoga mats or special attire needed, just a willingness to laugh.
“The best part about Laughter Yoga is that there are no negative side effects – apart from possibly a sore face or tummy muscles from all the laughing. But that’s just part of the fun,” he said.
If you’re looking for a free and easy way to improve your mental health and reduce stress this holiday season, the Online Laughter Marathon is the perfect opportunity.
“Laughter is proven to combat depression, reduce anxiety, and help people feel more positive. It’s a simple and effective way to recharge your mental health,” Mr Neal said.
To join the fun, simply copy this link: bit.ly/3O44V1b to your browser to register for the event.
Whether you participate for just 30 minutes or spend the entire day laughing, you’ll be joining a community of people committed to boosting their mental wellbeing through the power of laughter.
For media inquiries contact Mr Neal via email at merv@mervneal.com
