NASW Virginia and Metro DC Chapters 2023 Social Work Month Celebration

Happy Social Work Month from NASW Virginia and Metro DC Chapters!  This is a special invitation to members to celebrate YOU! 

Join us for Laughter Yoga with Mayra Reyes, LCSW and learn how to use Laughter Yoga in your every day life! Registration for this event is required, and this is a members only event.

This event offers 1 CE in self-care. Pre-registration is required.

NASW Virginia and Metro DC Chapters: What is laughter yoga?

Mayra Reyes, LCSW-S: “Laughter yoga is an aerobic exercise that began in 1995 by Madan Kataria, PhD, from Mumbai, India. It began with five people in a park, and now it is being practiced in over 100 countries and thousands of free laughter clubs. We use eye contact and child-like playfulness to create laughter. The concept behind it is that the body cannot know the difference between real and fake laughter, which makes us feel more energetic and at the same time releases endorphins and reduces the stress hormones.”

How long have you been practicing it?

“I began practicing laughter yoga in April 2012 after getting certified as a Laughter Yoga Leader. Then in 2013, I got certified as a Laughter Teacher by founder Dr. Kataria. In 2019, I was recognized as a Laughter Ambassador by the International University of Laughter Yoga, and I continue training laughter yoga leaders internationally, both in person and online.”

What are the main positive outcomes of laughter yoga for social workers and anyone?

“The main positive outcomes are that anyone can laugh without feeling like laughing, and we don’t rely on jokes, humor, or comedy, since laughter is created. Also, by using laughter as a universal language, we are able to connect and interact by learning how to add laughter to life stressors. Laughter yoga also helps us have a more positive outlook and can be used as a coping technique.”

Do people need to be in yoga clothes to do it, or can they be sitting in a chair?

“No, nothing extra is needed. We just need people to participate and follow along.”

NASW VA/DC: Why is laughter yoga especially great to do during Social Work Month?

“As a social worker and human, I have used laughter yoga to deal with difficult life situations, and it has allowed me to see the positive side of things. After doing it for so long, it became part of my routine, and it helps me continue having joy in my life. Let’s not forget to laugh and remember the importance of letting our guard down and not take life too seriously!”