I recently caught up with Cat Googe, a former teacher who now runs laughter yoga sessions for businesses, festivals and community groups. From Glastonbury to corporate wellbeing events, Cat is helping people rediscover the power of laughter, play and human connection.

What exactly is laughter yoga?

Cat Despite the name, there are no yoga poses involved. It’s a combination of laughter exercises and deep belly breathing. The breathing is the yoga part, and the laughter helps shift energy, improve mood and create connection.

How do people react when they first try it?

Cat Some people jump straight in, while others have to get past the initial awkwardness. It’s normal to feel a bit out of your comfort zone at first, but once people relax, something really special happens.

What kind of impact can a session have?

Cat It can be surprisingly powerful. I met a woman at a festival who told me she hadn’t laughed for ten years. She came back the following year and said the session had completely changed her life.

Is it about telling jokes?

Cat No. That’s one of the biggest misconceptions. Laughter yoga uses unconditional laughter rather than laughter triggered by jokes, comedians or funny videos.

Why do you think it works?

Cat Extended belly laughter releases endorphins and helps lower stress hormones. When people laugh together, they also experience a sense of connection and belonging.

You’ve worked with some big organisations. Why do companies book you?

Cat Sometimes it’s for Mental Health Awareness Week, sometimes it’s team wellbeing or an away day. More organisations are recognising the importance of supporting employee wellbeing and creating opportunities for people to connect.

You’ve worked with LEGO. What appealed to them?

Cat LEGO understands the value of play. Bringing something playful into the workplace helps creativity flow and encourages better collaboration between teams.

Do adults need more play in their lives?

Cat Absolutely. We don’t play enough as adults. Play helps us feel more creative, connected and energised. Kids naturally understand this, but many adults forget it.

Has technology changed the way people connect?

Cat I think so. People spend more time looking at screens and less time looking at each other. One of the lovely things about laughter yoga is that it encourages eye contact and genuine human connection.

What’s coming up for you this year?

Cat I’ll be appearing at a number of festivals and wellbeing events, including Bestival’s wellness area and Dose Fest, a new wellbeing-focused event designed to help people develop tools to support their own health and happiness.

Finally, what would you say to someone who has never tried laughter yoga?

Cat Come with an open mind. It might feel unusual at first, but it has an incredible way of helping people feel lighter, happier and more connected.

To find out more about Cat’s work, visit Cat Googe’s website.