Welcome to August 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 – creating healthier workplaces and happier lives through laughter, connection and joy.
In August News we share the following…
- Hope and Logic from Yours Truly
- The UnitedMind Survey: Thank you!
- Update: The King’s College SPLASH Study, Laughter Yoga and Bronchiectasis
- Neuroplastic Fantastic The Focus Chemical
- Greater Yoga Connection than You May Think cont’d.
- Laughter Yoga Teacher Reunion Recap
- Laughter Club (St Albans) and Telephone Laughter Updates
- Laughter Yoga Training in London, Hemel Hempstead, Preston, Durham, Liverpool, and Online
- 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
Hope and Logic from Yours Truly
In September 2023 The Sycamore Gap Tree was illegally cut down. A tree that symbolised resilience and ability to thrive in adversity as it stood there fully exposed to the elements along Hadrian’s Wall.
A tree that had been a symbol used for celebration of life, for anchoring memories of loved ones in life and in death, for strength and longevity.
Recently the story of the Sycamore Gap Tree showed up on my timeline and for a short moment I felt saddened and angered by the pointless act of a few people when they decided to cut down this iconic piece of nature.
But my eye caught a little story link, right on my doorstep I found The Tree of Hope.
Just like the Sycamore Gap Tree, the Tree of Hope has become a place of reflection.
And just like the Sycamore Gap Tree, the Tree of Hope teaches up of endurance, resilience, ability to stand strong against time and elements as the little acorn grew to become a bold oak tree, stood by the roadside in Piccotts End.
A positive reminder of hope in a world where hope is being buried and forgotten.
Laughter Yoga, when practiced regularly, provides access to remembering both vulnerability and strength.
It teaches up to tap into the innocence and joy that in adult life tends to be replaced by serious striving for something more.
And as my car stereo went from ‘if you like pina coladas…’ to The Logical Song, Supertramp’s words sounded like thoughts I have had when reflecting on the benefits of Laughter Yoga.
“When I was young, it seemed that life was so wonderful
A miracle, oh it was beautiful, magical
And all the birds in the trees, well they’d be singing so happily
Oh joyfully, oh playfully watching meBut then they sent me away to teach me how to be sensible
Logical, oh responsible, practical
And then they showed me a world where I could be so dependable
Oh clinical, oh intellectual, cynical “
That is why I love the practice of Laughter Yoga, it brings me back to ground zero where life is worth every single moment, without the need for being sensible, logical, cynical to be taken seriously.
I believe joy is not a luxury – it’s a human strength and my business, UnitedMind, and I are an outstanding partner in joy.
Through laughter, connection and evidence-informed wellbeing, I help people and organisations create healthier workplaces, happier lives, and a future where joy is not an afterthought – it is a way of living.
Until we laugh together again…
Warmly,
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 (she/her)
Founder | Joy Catalyst | Laughter Yoga Master Trainer (UK)
The UnitedMind Survey – thank you!
Thank you so much for taking the time to complete our UnitedMind Community Survey.
Your thoughts, experiences, and ideas are incredibly valuable, and I am truly grateful that you’ve chosen to share them with me.
Every response will help shape the future of UnitedMind as I create new experiences, programmes, and opportunities that bring more joy, connection, and wellbeing into people’s lives.
I have been spending the past weeks carefully reading every response and looking for the themes that will guide our next chapter. I look forward to sharing what I have discovered with you in the near future.
Thank you for being part of the UnitedMind journey.
With Gratitude,
Lotte Mikkelsen (she/her)
Founder | Joy Catalyst | Laughter Yoga Master Trainer (UK)
UnitedMind – creating healthier workplaces and happier lives through laughter, connection and joy.
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.
Update: SPLASH! Laughter Yoga and Bronchiectasis Study
As we are closing the first part of the SPLASH study with King’s College and plans for second part are being rolled out, I wanted to share a few comments from the participants:
“It definitely helps get your lungs clear. I mean, I was bringing up a lot of sputum afterwards. Every session driving home, I was coughing up sputum.”
“I knew nothing, and I’ve learned a lot more about bronchiectasis.”
“It was lovely to come out and meet people that share the same symptoms that we have.”
“I never once thought, ‘Oh God, I have to go now.’ I looked forward to it.”
“The leaders of the laughing exercises were excellent, excellent.”
“It was a great experience – the laughter yoga people were brilliant.”
“They introduced it really well. It was a positive feeling and it didn’t feel awkward.”
If you have not yet read about the study or watched the clip from BBC London News please read and watch below.
The event has also been featured by King’s website and you can read more here: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/laughter-could-be-the-best-medicine-for-lung-conditions, you can see clips of this footage on UnitedMind’s YouTube Channel.
And a bit of information from the team at King’s College:
Join Laughter Classes for Bronchiectasis: A fun, community-based programme that uses laughter as an innovative approach to chest physiotherapy and wellbeing.
- Do you have bronchiectasis?
- Are you curious about new way to support your lung health and wellbeing?
- Do you enjoy laughing – or are open to giving it a try?
King’s College London is running the Social Prescribing of LAughter claSses for people with broncHiectasis (SPLASH) study. These group classes use laughter exercises to support adults with bronchiectasis.
What’s involved?
- Attending 6 weeks of laughter-based group classes (2 classes per week, total of 12 classes) TIMES and DATES of the classes TBC
- You will be invited to a baseline assessment visit before the classes start (lasting approximately one and a half hours)
- You will be asked to complete some questionnaires about you and your health, and have a chat with us about your views on the programme
Pre-class visit is at King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS
Laughter classes are at KCL Student Union, Guys Campus, King’s College London, SE1 9RT
(reasonable travel expenses can be reimbursed with receipts)
Funded by Asthma + Lung UK
If you are interested, go to: Welcome to the SPLASH Project (Participants) – Fill out form or copy this link: https://forms.office.com/e/LKH5iABR62, or contact: Dr Arietta Spinou – arietta.spinou@kcl.ac.uk.
Neuroplastic Fantastic: The Focus Chemical
When I named this part of the news story Neuroplastic Fantastic, I was playing on the title of Plastic Fantastic, a famous 1970s Danish avant-garde poem collection by Britta Sandqvist. Back then, “plastic fantastic” was a cheeky nod to synthetic, mass-produced materials that could be moulded into any shape you could possibly imagine.
But the word “plastic” actually comes from the ancient Greek word plastikos, which means “able to be moulded, shaped, or formed.”
By calling this newsletter Neuroplastic Fantastic, that concept is taken back from artificial factories and given to our biology and nature.
Our brain is the ultimate mouldable material.
It is a true shape-shifter, physically re-writing its own pathways based on how we use it.
Last time, I talked about using laughter as a destroyer of old, automated habits. This time, let’s look at the secret chemical key required to mould a new, positive habit into place: Acetylcholine.
Our Brain’s Yellow Highlighter
Whenever you perform an action on autopilot, your brain glides through existing pathways without changing anything.
However, the moment you bring intense, concentrated focus to a new action, your brain releases a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine.
You can imagine or think of acetylcholine as a biological yellow highlighter. It marks/highlights the exact neural circuit you are using at that particular moment and tells your brain: “This is important. Save this change during sleep tonight.” Without this chemical highlighter, your brain simply forgets the new routine.
3 Steps to Trigger the Focus Chemical
- Remove and completely banish micro-distractions: Your brain cannot highlight a new pathway if your attention is fragmented. When you practice a new habit, put your phone away. Even a 2-second glance at a notification halts acetylcholine production immediately.
- Lean into the friction of discomfort: When you try a new behaviour, it feels awkward, clunky, uncomfortable, and difficult. The mental strain these feelings provide is a good thing. That exact feeling of effort is the physical sensation of acetylcholine flooding your brain to force these important structural changes.
- Anchor the newbie with a micro-win: Straight after putting intense focus into your new routine, celebrate! A quick fist-pump or a positive thought triggers a secondary splish-splash of dopamine, which permanently seals the highlighted pathway into your long-term memory.
Your Neuro-Action Step for This Week
- Pick one positive behaviour you want to automate this week.
- When you perform it, do not multitask while performing it.
- Give it 5 minutes of your complete, undivided, super-focused attention.
You are forcing your brain to highlight the new (and vulnerable) circuit, and letting neuroplasticity do the ‘heavy lifting’ while you sleep.
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.
This has been a great exploration for me, and I hope you enjoy this valuable depth to our practice of Laughter Yoga.
Beyond the fun, the laughter and the playfulness there is a depth in Laughter Yoga that is rooted in 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, 4, and 6, and in July we will look at focused joyful presence, please read on about Limb 6.
Dharana – Concentration
In Laughter Yoga:
- Focus on:
- Laughter rhythm
- Group connection
- Breath-movement coordination
Philosophical Meaning:
The mind anchors in present-moment playfulness.
Spiritual Insight:
Joy sharpens awareness rather than distracting it.
| 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 7, meditation.
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.
Summer Laughter Videos in August
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 Yoga Teacher Reunion Recap
We met at De Vere Latimer Estate in Chesham for our Laughter Yoga Teacher Reunion, it was a warm Friday with shared anticipation and joy when we arrived through the gates to the stately mansion.
This was our 4th get-together, and there was a lot of fun to be had.
Our mornings started with a mixture of breathing exercises, five rhythm dance, tai chi tips, and laughter.
On Saturday after lunch Nicky and I drove to Winchester to share laughter with a family the day before a wedding, and while we were out, the rest of the group got up to laughter, exploration and a little mindful walking on the grounds of the estate.
The rest of my ideas will have to wait until we meet again on 7th-9th July 2028.
Latimer is opening their gates for us again on Friday 7th July and I am sure they will be ready for another weekend with Laughter Yoga Teachers filling the rooms with laughter and playfulness.
Make sure you get your space and room in time. The cost per room for the weekend is £290 paid via bank transfer or £300 paid via card, Klarna, or PayPal. Book via the Shop on www.unitedmind.co.uk/product/laughter-yoga-teacher-reunion/.
2026 New Memory
2024 Memory
2022 Older Memory
2019 Oldest Memory
If you are a Laughter Yoga Teacher please join us on 07-09 July 2028 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.
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 06 September 2026 from 13:00-13:30 online on Zoom
- We are looking to start laughing in Hemel Hempstead at 13:00-14:15 UK time real soon – 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 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.
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:
- 03-04 October 2026 Laughter Yoga Leader Hemel Hempstead 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 2026 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 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
- 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 for 2027 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/):
- 14 November 2026 10:00-15:30 Stanmore / North London £145 early bird
- 25 January 2027 10:00-15:30 Online £145 early bird
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.