Welcome to May 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 May News we share the following…
- The Tulip Experience from Yours Truly
- World Laughter Day Sunday 3 May 2026
- Laughter Yoga Teacher Training in Liverpool and London
- The Importance of Certification and Insurance
- Laughter Therapist Training
- 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
- INVITING ALL LAUGHTER YOGA TEACHERS – BEST EVENT EVER
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.instagram.com/unitedmindlaughteryoga
- www.facebook.com/unitedmind.through.laughter
- www.linkedin.com/in/lottemikkelsen
- www.tiktok.com/@laughteryoga
- www.twitter.com/unitedmind
The Tulip Experience from Yours Truly
Tulips have been and are now gone again – mostly.
There are beautiful flowers all around the world and during all seasons of the year, however, tulips… those colourful spring bringers, stood in all their might, bright and ready to face you, crisp and cool as they open their waxy petals.
I love tulips.
Tully’s Tulip Field in Shenley, Hertforshire, is a delightful experience every year when the tulips show up – what a treat for tulip lovers and other lovers and good folk.
When you spend time in nature you and with people you enjoy spending time with in nature and life, it all seems a bit easier and lighter.
The essence of living is to bring joy, not horror and upset.
Heart Breakfast with Amanda Holden and JK was a joy to listen to from the not-so-green Green Room, and they have a great ability to bring lightness to subjects along with great music to the ears.
In April I had the great pleasure of meeting Amanda and JK in the Heart studio in London.
It was a brief chat about what Laughter Yoga is, and a few quick laughter exercises but in the presence of giggling, guffawing, willing souls, and curiosity there is no stopping the human soul from soaring with cheers and laughter.
If you did not have the opportunity to listen, and you are gutted you didn’t then there is a short videoto watch, and please follow my channel, on:
Or if you wish to listen to the full 5 minutes, no video on this just sound:
And if it is not really for you then just ignore the links and read on about this, that, and then some more, mostly about Laughter Yoga.
The take-away from April is that people become nicer, kinder, more mindful, more helpful when the days become lighter, we are less in our heads, and more in the experience of warmth and light.
Laughter can help us be this way all year around but the question is whether that will indeed be the best option, as people we need to take time out, to reflect, regenerate, recover, and that is what we do during the darker days.
BUT EUREKA for spring time!
It is here and it is wonderful, celebrate every moment you feel the gentle embrace of the wind, the sun, the raindrops, the petals of the blossoming trees caressing your skin as they flow past you.
We are all reborn to the magic and miracle of our world and our lives!
A great way to celebrate life, the universe and everything is to fall in love 3 times a day, not too much to overthink it and not too little to stop paying attention.
Today I fell in love with my neighbours garden which shares a wealth of wooshing trees, chirping birds, and pitter-patter squirrel feet at early hours, I feel in love with the aroma of my coffee and I am falling in love with this idea of falling in love 3 times a day.
How about you?
Happy days to us and everyone, be kind and share your inner beauty with a outer smile.
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
World Laughter Day 3 May 2026
World Laughter Day is upon us and tomorrow, Sunday 3 Mary 2026, we will laugh a bit earlier than the usual Laughter Club, at 10:00-10:30 online on https://us04web.zoom.us/j/132683686 pw 305815.
Just to be clear, World Laughter Day in the Laughter Club Online, will be held Sunday 3 May 2026 at 10:00-10:30, it will NOT be held on Monday 4 May 2026 at 13:00-13:30 although I mentioned that to a few people.
I hope you can join this great celebration of World Peace Through Laughter.
World Laughter Day happens once a year on the first Sunday in May and celebrates our differences and our extraordinary commonalities as we share laughter and connect our hearts.
When we laugh, we change, and when we change, the world chances.
During deep, hearty, shared laughter there is no room for thoughts which often get in the way of mindful living in joy.
Together we raise the bar of what is possible when we let go of fear, worry, anger, resentment, regret, and much more, and replace wtih the highest vibrations of love, grace, gratitude and the spirit of laughter.
To celebrate World Laughter Day or to bring Laughter Yoga to your workplace, team, group, youself and others please contact me on lotte@unitedmind.co.uk, or call +44 (0) 7736341717 (you may need to leave a message at times but I will get back to you).
Laughter Yoga Teacher Training – Liverpool and London!
Just a quick reminder if you are a Laughter Yoga Leader then this is for you and if you are a Laughter Yoga Teacher looking to refresh your skills then this is also fo ryou.
Teacher Training in 2026 is held in Livepool on 22-26 August, and in Stanmore/North London on 28-31 August, and 27-30 November in Stanmore/North London.
You can book your place via the shop on www.unitedmind.co.uk/product-category/laughteryogateacher/ and read more about the training on www.unitedmind.co.uk/training/laughter-yoga-teacher.
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.
The Importance of Certification and Insurance
When you train in Laughter Yoga with a view to share laughter in your communities, workplaces, organisations, businesses, schools, health care, or whichever way you are drawn, it is imporant to get your professional liability and indemnity insurance sorted.
Training online and online training may not always allow for you to obtain certification if you cannot show that your course has activity taken you through a process to get the certification.
When you train in the UK with qualified Laughter Yoga Teacher, you have a guarantee your training and certification is completed to the standards insurance companies require.
- Online self-study courses are not going to grant you insurance.
- If you do not demonstrate your knowledge to receive your certificate of training you may not be granted insurance.
There are online courses you can book at very low fees but do they offer what you need?
Make sure you spend your money well, or you may have to spend your money twice.
In addition to the Laughter Yoga International certification you receive when you complete your course, in the UK we have an additional accreditation which is provided through a handful of Laughter Yoga Teachers. The accreditation is with FHT.
The Accredited Teachers have up-to-date first aid training, they undertake CPD days to enhance and expand on their skills, they are certain to have insurance, and they teach training that allows you to obtain insurance.
Why have accreditation?
Accreditation is often a requirement from the workplaces you wish to engage with, and the accredited training is recognised as a proper qualification and undergoes an annual review to ensure standards are kept at high levels.
When you complete your Certified Laughter Yoga Training you have the option to obtain Accreditation with a few extra requirements for passing. But this is your choice, you do not need accreditation to get insurance.
Mel and I have been training Laughter Yoga Leaders jointly for 32 years, and together for 10 years, we are Master Trainers in the UK, so in my humble opinion I believe you get some real-life value as you learn from the experience from many years of teaching and facilitating – and running a business.
Our courses, online and in person are accredited and delivered to high standard.
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.
Laughter Therapist
When I started developing the Laughter Therapist Training I wanted to create a course that was different and had deeper connection with psychotherapy and positive psychology than Laughter Yoga has.
Laughter Yoga is very therapeutic but it is not Laughter Therapy.
The Laughter Therapist Training has its roots in the methods first introduced by Dr Annette Goodheart, based on the concept of playing with pain.
To be accepted onto the course you must have a background as a practicing therapist, counsellor or holistic therapist with an understanding of how to work with trauma and experience in handling emotional responses that clients can sometimes have when they go through their experience of deep release, i.e. catharsis.
Having had tramatic experiences and mental ill health in your past is not a qualification for the training but I am sorry if you have been through challenging times and happy to discuss the options.
The course cannot be completed online as it is experiential and profound in ways where online classes are unsuited for the full content.
It can take you up to a year to complete, seeing that the initial weekend training, 23-24 May, starts the course, and is followed by your own work, and your work with case studies, as you come to the end of your training you will submit a dissertation of minimum 10,000 words.
You will become a Laughter Therapist after your dissertation has been discussed and accepted. This is a Level 7 education.
You may have seen online Laughter Therapy courses you can do from the safety of your home, I promise you, this is a different kettle of fish, and this allows you to call yourself Accredited Laughter Therapist.
Contact me to learn more and see if this is for you, if you are a Laughter Yoga trainer professional it may not be for you unless you have a background as stated above.
The course is facilitated by myself and Melanie Bloch, together we have jointly 50+ years of experience as therapists and holistic therapists.
Email lotte@unitedmind.co.uk and visit the Laughter Therapist Training page, or book via the shop.
It runs once a year and next time is 23-24 May in Stanmore / North London, fee is £595 early bird.
Greater Yoga Connection Than You May Think, cont’d
We have more elements of yoga to be diving into the depth of to explore the connection to Laughter Yoga.
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 and 2 and in May we will look at the Playful Embodied Movement, please read on about Limb 3.
Asana – Posture (Embodied Awareness)
In Laughter Yoga:
- Gentle movements, clapping, stretching, eye contact, and upright posture
- Emphasis on comfort and accessibility, not physical perfection
Philosophical Meaning:
The body becomes a vehicle of joy, not performance.
Spiritual Insight:
Embodiment of lightness reduces identification with physical limitations.
Summary table of Patanjali’s Eightfold Path (Ashtanga Yoga), and although Laughter Yoga is unconventional, it aligns deeply with yogic philosophy and spiritual development.
| 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 judgment | 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, assessible, and light-hearted.
I am chuffed and excited to understand 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 4, deep oxygenated laughter.
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.
May… May I… new series
A new series of videos will become available during May.
May I, may you, may we?
So far I shared the Smiling is Infectious poem, and today I shared the desparation that follows from having a slow computer when your newsletter deadline is way past the plan…
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 3 May 2026 at 10:00-10:30 UK time WORLD LAUGHTER DAY
- 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 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:
- 13-14 June 2025 Laughter Yoga Leader London from £225
- 27-28 June 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
- 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 05, 12, 19, 26 May 2026 at 19:00-21:30 from £225
- Tuesdays 02, 09, 16, 23 June 2026 at 19:00-21:30 from £225
- Tuesdays 01, 08, 15, 22 July 2026 at 19:00-21:30 from £225
- Tuesdays 04, 11, 18, 25 August 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.
Full details of all workshops and training programmes, and how to register, are listed on UnitedMind’s website.
LAUGHTER YOGA TEACHER REUNION
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.
