Welcome to July 2026
…and news, stories, upcoming events and event reviews from UnitedMind Ltd. Laughter Yoga, Laughter Yoga in London, all over the UK and world, The Laughter Club International (UK) and The Telephone Laughter Club.
UnitedMind is on the forefront with laughter, happiness and joy!
In July News we share the following…
- Connections from Yours Truly
- Laughter Yoga Training in London, Hemel Hempstead, Preston, Durham, Liverpool, and Online
- LAST CHANCE FOR ALL LAUGHTER YOGA TEACHERS – 1 WEEK TO GO
- Update: The King’s College SPLASH Study, Laughter Yoga and Bronchiectasis
- The UnitedMind Survey
- Neuroplastic Fantastic
- Greater Yoga Connection than You May Think cont’d.
- Laughter Club (St Albans) and Telephone Laughter Updates
- Training Dates and News
Important training and laughter club dates are listed at the end for- Laughter Yoga Leader, Durham, London, Preston, Hemel Hempstead, Online
- Laughter Yoga Teacher, Hemel Hempstead, Stanmore, Online, LIVERPOOL
- Laughter Yoga Coach, Online
- Laughter Therapist, Stanmore
- Gibberish Coach, Online
You can continue to enjoy reading our news on our secure site on UnitedMind.co.uk and follow us on Social Media!
Social Media is always growing and improving, please follow UnitedMind and me on
- www.youtube.com/lottemikkel
- www.instagram.com/unitedmindlaughteryoga
- www.facebook.com/unitedmind.through.laughter
- www.linkedin.com/in/lottemikkelsen
- www.tiktok.com/@laughteryoga
- www.twitter.com/unitedmind
Connecting from Yours Truly
Summer is breezing through the hemisphere of our northern Earth and magically connecting with our brain hemispheres, playfully stimulating our senses.
There is a real opportunity to nurture our wellbeing along with being mindful summer is not everyone’s cup of tea.
And a cup of tea is certainly a science in itself with all the colours of green, black, white, grey, combined with flavours of smoky notes, zangy zests, fruity dreams, and vitamins added for extra boosts.
Boosts come in many shapes and forms, yet one of the most simple and potent methods is often dismissed for being too loud, lacking elements of seriousness required to be taken seriously in business and life.
Serious?
A layer of conditioning we are brought up believing is the bees knees for successful living where in fact activities inspiring laughter, playfulness and connection develops our emotional ability to tackle challenges and bounce back from adversity.
Adversity, isn’t that just what we all face in life at times?
Those moments we wish would pass quickly so we can continue living our lives fully, where reflection shows us that adversity was perhaps exactly what brought us together in this moment.
Our ability to bounce back is built through playful activities where we learn and we develop both hemispheres of our physical brain so we can learn and understand the important things in life.
Laughter is the easiest method requiring little effort and much commitment yet with the best of everything to come.
Friendships, good health, passion and compassion, resilience – all in a bout of daily laughter.
So, friends, summer is roasting us all, and for some of us making us feel invincible for others not so much. How ever you feel, now is a good time to learn to laugh regardless how you feel.
How you feel is determined by the choices being made every moment and every fraction of a moment, choices you may not even consider are yours, yet they are.
Choices are for creating moments for experiencing life fully!
Those moments where you truly feel you are surfing on top of life.
Laughter gets you there.
Think about it, and thoughts will spin you into a world of new ideas for profound change, and change it what brought us here in the first place, the change of the seasons created the opportunity for us to enjoy a summer full of sunshine, rainy clouds, thunder and lightning above our heads and within our minds.
Bring on the sunshine of the nourished mind!
Happy Summertime, and the living is easy, and a lot of music in the open air – accompanied by dance, playfulness, and laughter!
With Love, Friendship, Honesty, Kindness, Health, Hope, Goodness, Grace, Gratitude, Understanding, Faith, Peace, Forgiveness, Patience, Diligence, Love, Blessings and Joy from me to you!
Lotte Mikkelsen
Laughter Yoga Specialist and Master Trainer
#youreverydaylaughterqueen
Laughter Yoga Training
London, Hemel Hempstead, Durham, Preston, Liverpool Online
Summer is the season for opportunities!
Laughter turn opportunities into connections, health, and possible positive outcomes.
I would love to share the wisdom of Laughter Yoga with you.
If you cannot make the dates and locations, there is also an online option running every month over 4 sessions at 19:00-21:30 all four days plus an extra optional catch up session.
It is an outstanding opportunity to learn how you can impact others with joy and connecting inside and out, get tools to tackle stressors all around in everyday life, and experience health on a whole new level.
You can book your place via the shop on www.unitedmind.co.uk/product-category/laughteryogaleader/ and read more about the training on www.unitedmind.co.uk/training/laughter-yoga-leader.
If you are already a Laughter Yoga Leader this is an invitation to deepen your knowledge and submerge yourself into the vastness of universal laughter and joy. Step your Laughter Journey up one notch and book on www.unitedmind.co.uk/product-category/laughteryogateacher/.
Or you can ask me about the training courses via WhatsApp or call +447736341717 or mail lotte@unitedmind.co.uk, and I am happy to discuss the options with you.
LAST CHANCE TO JOIN LAUGHTER YOGA TEACHER REUNION
2019
2022
2024
If you are a Laughter Yoga Teacher please join us on 10-12 July 2026 at De Vere Latimer Estate in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 1UG.
Please make sure you book your place at this superb opportunity to network, learn, plan and grow as a Laughter Yoga Teacher but more importantly as a person and human being.
Book now on www.unitedmind.co.uk/product/laughter-yoga-teacher-reunion to ensure your room is available for you.
And you may meet old friends and make some new ones that could stay around for a long time because we all laugh well together.
Update: SPLASH! Laughter Yoga and Bronchiectasis Study
We met at King’s College on Thursday 18 June to share experiences with the ongoing project and how things are progression, we met to share laughter and joy, we met to be touched, moved and inspired – and to chat with BBC London Tonight about the study.
Dr Laura Wilde, Research Psychologist, wrote to us all:
It was such a joy to bring everyone together, and we’re incredibly grateful for your time, openness, and contributions.
It was a really special day, and your input through conversations, activities, and reflections was really valued.
News feature:
The event has also been featured by King’s — you can read more here: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/laughter-could-be-the-best-medicine-for-lung-conditions.
You may have also seen it on BBC London News on Thursday, you can see clips of this footage on UnitedMind’s YouTube Channel.
Final Art Piece: Attached photo! We will look to try to exhibit this somewhere with a description of the event and how it was created with laughter!
SPLASH project:
As you found out last week, this work is part of the wider SPLASH project, and we’ll continue to reflect on what we’ve learned from both the workshops and the Laughter Lab event. If you have bronchiectasis, or know someone with bronchiectasis we hope to be running another group of laughter classes in the autumn.
To hear the introduction to the SPLASH! project on the podcast Medi-Culture Conversations on Morley Radio, please listen below.
What is bronchiectasis?
Bronchiectasis is a long-term lung condition where the airways become permanently damaged, widened, and thickened. This structural damage impairs the lungs’ ability to clear mucus, trapping bacteria and creating a cycle of infection and inflammation. While irreversible, it is highly manageable with proper care.
What does SPLASH stand for?
Social Prescribing of LAughter claSses for people with broncHiectasis (SPLASH), and it is a very exciting study in more many ways as there have been a lack of studies in laughter yoga and lung health.
The sessions with the study group will run in June and July, and the initial 12 sessions will be facilitated by myself, and three of my Laughter Yoga Teachers, so watch this space.
In addition, I have received valuable insignts from Dr. Madan Kataria relating to lung health, and his experience in working in this area.
To learn more about the study please contact me on lotte@unitedmind.co.uk, or call +44 (0) 7736341717.
The UnitedMind Survey – shaping the future together
UnitedMind is evolving.
Whether you use laughter and wellness to lead a team or to transform your own morning routine, we want to build our next bespoke chapter around your specific lifestyle.
Help us shape the future in 12 questions – complete The UnitedMind Survey.
If you have any question of would like to learn more about Laughter Yoga and Laughter Therapy, please contact me on lotte@unitedmind.co.uk, or call +44 (0) 7736341717.
Neuroplastic Fantastic
Neuroplasticity is fantastic because it means your brain is never permanently stuck or broken.
It provides the biological proof that you can change your habits, learn new skills, and recover from severe injuries at any age.
Why Neuroplasticity is a Superpower
- Lifelong growth: It shatters the myth that the adult brain only declines.
- Injury recovery: It allows stroke and trauma survivors to relearn lost speech and movement.
- Habit transformation: It lets you break bad habits by physically fading old neural pathways.
- Mental resilience: It creates buffer zones that help protect against cognitive decline and dementia.
- Emotional healing: It underpins therapy, letting the brain unlearn trauma and anxiety patterns.
- Endless adaptation: It constantly rewires your mind to survive new environments and technologies
To break a bad habit using neuroplasticity, you must starve the old neural pathway while repeatedly forcing a new one to fire.
Your brain is highly efficient: when you stop using a habit circuit, the brain systematically weakens it through synaptic pruning, while active repetition builds a new, automated highway.
Laughter is a powerful, science-backed tool for breaking bad habits because it instantly disrupts the autopilot state that keeps bad habits alive. When you are stuck in a repetitive loop (like stress-eating, nail-biting, or scrolling), your brain is operating in a high-stress, low-awareness zone. Injecting humour physically shifts your neural chemistry, making it much easier to step off the automatic track.
Research featured on platforms like Psychology Today demonstrates that structured humour and practices like laughter yoga can actively reframe thought patterns, alter stubborn behaviours, and assist in addiction recovery.
How Laughter rewires your habit loops
- Provides a Cognitive Reset: Breaking a habit requires conscious focus. Processing humour is computationally demanding for the brain, activating both the working memory and the frontal lobes. This immediate “mental workout” derails the brain’s passive, unconscious craving cycle.
- Supplies a Healthy Dopamine Replacement: Bad habits survive because they offer a cheap, quick reward. As detailed by Stanford Lifestyle Medicine, laughter naturally floods your nervous system with dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. This provides the positive chemical spike your brain is searching for, without the negative consequences of the bad habit.
- Lowers the Stress Triggers: Most bad habits are maladaptive coping mechanisms for anxiety. A hearty laugh serves as a biological “reset button” that rapidly decreases cortisol and adrenaline. Lowering your physical stress levels minimises the baseline urge to seek comfort in a vice.
Removes defensive self-judgement, guilt and shame keep you trapped in bad cycles.
Finding humour in your mistakes helps dissolve defensiveness, letting you view your habits with objective curiosity instead of self-criticism.
Speak to me about how you can benefit from workshops and training, I am easily contacted on email lotte@unitedmind.co.uk, or mobile +44 (0) 7736341717.
Greater Yoga Connection Than You May Think, cont’d
As I continue to share the connection between Laughter Yoga and Yoga, it becomes clearer what more we have in comment between the two practices.
Beyond the fun, the laughter, the playfulness there is a depth in Laughter Yoga that speaks to the ancient depth of Yoga.
I have listed the summary table of Patanjali’s Eightfold Path (Ashtanga Yoga) for reference below, as I go into more depth on each of the eight limbs, information beautifully compiled by Laughter Yoga Leader Linda Rabassa-Witham.
We have covered Limb 1, 2, 3 and 4 and in July we will look at the Withdrawal of the Senses, please read on about Limb 5.
Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the Senses
In Laughter Yoga:
- Participants stop reacting to external stimuli and social judgement
- Attention shifts inward to bodily sensation and breath
- Self-consciousness dissolves
When we practice the principles of live and let live, contribution instead of achievement, change, compassion, and embrace non-judgement we live the 5th limb of the yogic system.
Philosophical Meaning:
Inner joy replaces sensory dependence.
Spiritual Insight:
Freedom from external validation emerges spontaneously.
| Limb | Expression in Laughter Yoga | Spiritual Outcome |
| Yama | Ethical joy & compassion | Social harmony |
| Niyama | Inner discipline through happiness | Self-contentment |
| Asana | Playful embodied movement | Lightness of being |
| Pranayama | Deep oxygenated laughter | Free pranic flow |
| Pratyahara | Release of judgement | Inner freedom |
| Dharana | Focused joyful presence | Mental clarity |
| Dhyana | Effortless meditative awareness | Inner peace |
| Samadhi | Causeless joy & unity | Bliss consciousness |
Knowing the connection to greater extent does not mean that we introduce Yoga exercises in Laughter Yoga, on the contrary, we keep to the philosophy of Laughter Yoga and make it fun, accessible, and light-hearted.
It does not make me a Yoga Teacher but I feel blessed to have a fuller understanding how the world is connected more extensively within Laughter Yoga and Yoga, and I have a feeling this will pave the way for new ideas and opportunities.
Stay tuned!
Next time is Limb 6, concentration.
To learn more about Laughter Yoga and attend or book workshops and training please WhatsApp or call +447736341717 or mail lotte@unitedmind.co.uk, and I am happy to discuss your requirements with you.
Warm Laughter Shares in July
A new series of videos will become available during July – picking up the laughter pace where June slowed down..
Let’s see what shows up on Social Media video-loving platforms like Instagram, Youtube, TikTok and the likes – please do follow on:
- www.instagram.com/unitedmindlaughteryoga
- www.facebook.com/unitedmind.through.laughter
- www.linkedin.com/in/lottemikkelsen
- www.tiktok.com/@laughteryoga
Laughter Club and Telephone Laughter
Anyone and everyone is welcome to share laughter with us in the Laughter Club International (UK) St Albans on Zoom – and bring a friend or your whole tribe.
The Laughter Club in St Albans is sharing laughter on Zoom on 1st Sunday every month (except August) at 1pm-1:30pm!
Please register online on https://form.jotform.com/200864136631350.
- Sunday 5 July 2026 at 13:00-13:30 UK time
- In August we laugh in Hemel Hempstead at 13:00-13:39 UK time – more to come
- Please join on https://us04web.zoom.us/j/132683686 pw 305815
Please get in touch about the laughter clubs and other options via email, info@unitedmind.co.uk, mobile/WhatsApp +447736341717.
The Google Map of Laughter Clubs in the UK is on track with up-to-date information about Laughter Clubs.
Note, updated laughter clubs are listed with 2024/2025/2026 at their name, in-person laughter clubs have a blue star place marker, and online laughter clubs have an orange star place marker. Check it out on https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Q-HDOwxlZX1kk7bW4U5haXxrRjM&usp=sharing.
If you know of any laughter clubs that are not listed or need updating please email lotte@unitedmind.co.uk with your information.
In addition The Telephone Laughter Club runs Monday to Friday at 7:00 to 7:10 on
- Dial: 0333 011 2319
- Room number: 33928453 #
- PIN: 8494 #
Please also contact me about The Telephone Laughter Club where we laugh weekday mornings from 7:00 to 7:10 if you have any questions about this service, lotte@unitedmind.co.uk.
Laughter Training Dates and News
Laughter Yoga is for everyone and even in our breathing exercises which are the closest you get to any Yoga-related activity, we have ways of breathing where you do not even need to stretch.
This activity leads to a wealth of benefits both physically, mentally and emotionally for you and for everyone you share laughter with in groups, by yourself or one-on-one.
Learning Laughter Yoga is easy, available, and assessible for you to learn right now.
To understand more about the training programmes, options and requirements, please contact me via email lotte@unitedmind.co.uk.
The Accredited Laughter Yoga Training
More information about the different programmes is available on the links below
- Laughter Yoga Leader – from £225 per person
- Laughter Yoga Teacher – from £625 per person in person, from £475 per person online
- Laughter Yoga Coach – from £825 per person (including Leader and Teacher training)
Now is the best time to book your training – because it is the present where laughter and joy happens!
UnitedMind is registered with our insurance company as a Training Provider which means that our certificates grant you insurance.
When you choose your training provider please make sure you check their credentials as online training methods and courses are not always covered by insurers.
FHT Accredited courses uniquely from UnitedMind Laughter Yoga and our Accredited Laughter Yoga Teachers are
- 2-day Laughter Yoga Leader Training or 4-week online or self-study
- 5-day Laughter Yoga Teacher Training or Online over 6 Sundays
- 1-day Laughter Yoga Coach Training for Laughter Yoga Teachers
- Laughter Therapist Training for practicing therapists
With accreditation we are taking Laughter Yoga seriously and we are bringing the standards to a level of nationwide approval within the education system. The UnitedMind accreditation is the only UK accreditation for Laughter Yoga Training.
Our courses are recognised continued professional development and gives you points to add to your CPD list!
To learn more about how you can become a Laughter Yoga Leader or Teacher please contact Lotte on mobile/WhatsApp +44 (0) 7736341717 or email lotte@unitedmind.co.uk.
UnitedMind teaches Laughter Yoga courses in the following locations:
- Accredited Laughter Yoga Leader Training
This training is a requirement for becoming a Laughter Yoga Teacher- London, Online, Preston, Durham, St Albans, or Your venue your group – minimum 4 people
- Accredited Laughter Yoga Teacher Training
This training is a requirement for becoming a Laughter Yoga Coach- Hemel Hempstead, Stanmore, or Your venue, your group – minimum 4 people
- Accredited Laughter Therapist Training
- Hemel Hempstead
- Accredited Laughter Coach and Certified Gibberish Coach Training
- Online, or Your venue, your group – minimum 4 people
Your Self Study
A way to learn at your own leisure, at times to suit at only £150. If you are able to come to the in-person training at a later time we can schedule it at a small additional fee of £75.
Learn Laughter Yoga online as an almost-self-study, where you will be able to learn at your own pace and finish by presenting a Laughter Yoga session as you will have learned through the lessons, at a face-to-face Zoom session.
Book www.pensight.com/x/unitedmind.
Accredited Laughter Yoga Leader
The 2-day Laughter Yoga Leader Training runs on the following dates and venues (full details are listed on www.unitedmind.co.uk/training/laughter-yoga-leader/) provided by UnitedMind in the UK since 2007:
- 26-27 September 2026 Laughter Yoga Leader Hemel Hempstead from £225
- 10-11 October 2026 Laughter Yoga Leader London from £225
- 15-16 October 2026 Laughter Yoga Leader Preston from £225
- 17-18 October 2026 Laughter Yoga Leader Durham from £225
- 05-06 December 2025 Laughter Yoga Leader London from £225
- More dates are listed on www.unitedmind.co.uk/training/laughter-yoga-leader/
- Your workplace or with your group at dates to suit you!
Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Training Online – click to choose your dates:
- Tuesdays 04, 11, 18, 25 August 2026 at 19:00-21:30 from £225
- Wednesdays 02, 09, 16, 23 September 2026 at 19:00-21:30 from £225
- Tuesdays 06, 13, 20, 27 October 2026 at 19:00-21:30 from £225
More online training dates in 2025 and 2026 are listed on www.unitedmind.co.uk/product-category/laughter-leader-training-online/
Accredited Laughter Yoga Teacher
The Laughter Yoga Teacher Training and Hybrid Laughter Yoga Teacher Training runs on the following dates and venues (full details are listed on www.unitedmind.co.uk/training/laughter-yoga-teacher/) provided by UnitedMind in the UK since 2012:
- 22-26 August 2026 in Liverpool non-residential from £625
- 28-31 August 2026 in Stanmore / North London non-residential all days 8:00-18:00 from £625
- 27-30 November 2026 in Stanmore / North London non-residential all days 8:00-18:00 from £625
- Sundays 18, 25 October-1, 8, 15, 22 November 2026 Online 9:30-15:30 from £475
- More dates on www.unitedmind.co.uk/training/laughter-yoga-teacher/
Accommodation is not included.
Feel free to enquire about special offers at any time, info@unitedmind.co.uk.
Accredited Laughter Yoga Coach
The 1-day Laughter Yoga Coach Training for Laughter Yoga Teachers runs online on the following dates (full details are listed on www.unitedmind.co.uk/training/laughter-yoga-coach-cpd/):
Add-On to Laughter Yoga Teacher Certification
Or you can book your 8-week One On One Laughter Coaching Programme and get closer to your real laughter through the practice of Laughter Yoga exercises.
Accredited Laughter Therapist
The 2-day Laughter Therapist Training is only the beginning of the 6-12 months programme (full details on www.unitedmind.co.uk/training/laughter-therapist/)
Accredited Gibberish Coach
The 1-day Gibberish Coach Training for Laughter Yoga Leaders and Teachers runs on the following dates (full details are listed on www.unitedmind.co.uk/training/gibberish-coach/):
All fees listed in the newsletter are early bird fees available until one month before training dates and excluding travel and accommodation costs unless otherwise stated. Other deals may be available as well as special agreements with companies and organisations who wish to train teams and individuals in their workplace.
If you want to be sure to get a place on the course of your choice please book now in the UnitedMind Online Shop.
For more information about accredited training courses, workplace workshops, and keynote talks, please contact us via info@unitedmind.co.uk, phone 0800 1214 714, or mobile/WhatsApp +447736341717.