Welcome to October 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 October News we share the following…
- Kaizen from Yours Truly
- The UnitedMind Survey – the Retreat is coming
- Laughter Therapist Training October REPEAT REMIND
- Laughter Yoga Leader Training DURHAM
- Neuroplastic Fantastic: Neuroplastic Miracle-Gro
- Greater Yoga Connection than You May Think cont’d.
- Laughter Yoga Teacher Reunion BOOK 2028 NOW
- Laughter Club (Hemel Hempstead) and Telephone Laughter Updates
- Laughter Yoga Training in London, Hemel Hempstead, Preston, Durham, and Online
- Training Dates and News
Important training and laughter club dates are listed at the end for- Laughter Yoga Leader, Durham, London, Hemel Hempstead, Online
- Laughter Yoga Teacher, Hemel Hempstead, Stanmore, Online
- 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
Kaizen from Yours Truly
Kaizen – The Power of Small Changes
Over the past eight months I have become rather fascinated by a Japanese philosophy called Kaizen – although my introduction to it wasn’t particularly profound.
I first noticed the word KAIZEN displayed on a wall at a company I work with and, for quite some time, assumed it was the name of another company sharing the offices!
It wasn’t.
Kaizen is actually deeply embedded in the way the organisation works and progresses, and as I began to understand what I was seeing around me, the philosophy started to fascinate me.
The word is usually translated as continuous improvement – the idea that meaningful change does not necessarily come from one enormous leap, but from small, consistent improvements made over time.
Rather than waiting for the next major restructure, revolutionary idea or perfect solution, Kaizen encourages us to notice what could simply be made a little better – a process, a conversation, a way of working, a habit or a tiny obstacle that could be removed.
The question is not always “How do we completely transform this?” Sometimes it is simply:
“What could we make a little better today?”
And the more I have thought about that, the more I have realised how closely it connects with what we do at UnitedMind.
And I love that.
We live in a world that celebrates transformation: new year – new you, transform your business, reinvent your career, change your life. Ten steps to becoming an entirely different human being before breakfast on Tuesday!
But most lasting change doesn’t happen like that. It happens quietly, through one choice followed by another; one small behaviour repeated until it becomes familiar; one slightly better conversation; one moment when we respond differently from the way we normally would.
When I introduce people to Laughter Yoga, there can be an expectation that something dramatic needs to happen. Perhaps we need to feel happy before we laugh, or the stress needs to disappear first.
It doesn’t.
We can start incredibly small: a smile, a breath, a few seconds of intentional laughter, a moment of eye contact with another person. Something begins to shift, not because every problem has suddenly disappeared, but because we have changed the moment we are standing in.
Do that once and it is a moment. Do it regularly and it can become a habit. Allow that habit to influence the way you connect with other people, handle pressure and approach your day, and those tiny moments begin to accumulate.
That, to me, is Kaizen in action.
The same thinking applies beautifully to the workplace. When organisations talk about improving wellbeing and culture, the questions quickly become enormous: How do we reduce stress? Improve engagement? Build stronger teams? Prevent burnout?
Important questions – but workplace culture is created in thousands of tiny moments: how we greet each other, whether we really listen, how we react when somebody makes a mistake, whether there is room for laughter, how a meeting begins and ends, and whether we remember that behind every job title is a human being.
Perhaps improving workplace culture doesn’t always begin with a grand initiative. Perhaps it can begin by asking:
What is one small thing we could do differently today?
Looking at UnitedMind, I realise Kaizen has been part of the company’s story whether I called it that or not. I have learned from the people I train, changed workshops because of something I noticed in a room, listened to clients, experimented, kept things that worked and changed things that didn’t.
Perhaps I had been practising my own version of Kaizen long before I knew what the word on that wall meant.
And I am still doing it.
There is something wonderfully liberating about recognising that a business – just like a person – does not have to be perfect. It only needs to remain willing to learn.
The last few months have reminded me of something else too. Sometimes life simply doesn’t leave room for gigantic reinvention. Other things demand our attention and some of our usual rhythms have to wait – including, as some of you may have noticed, this newsletter!
But progress does not disappear simply because it becomes smaller.
Sometimes progress is just doing the next thing. And then the next. Until one day you look behind you and realise how far all those small steps have carried you.
So rather than asking yourself what you need to completely transform this week, try asking:
What is one tiny thing I could make better?
Perhaps it is three conscious breaths before your first meeting, one minute of laughter before you start work, properly checking in with a colleague, leaving your desk for five minutes, saying no to something – or saying yes.
Nothing revolutionary. Nothing requiring a colour-coded 47-page action plan.
Just one small improvement.
And tomorrow? Perhaps another.
Because joy doesn’t always arrive with fireworks. Sometimes we create it quietly, moment by moment, laugh by laugh.
And those moments add up.
Together, we’re creating a world where joy is not an afterthought – it’s 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 | Chief Joy Catalyst | Laughter Yoga Master Trainer (UK)
The UnitedMind Survey – the retreat is coming!
The planning is moving forward and we are super excited to soon be launching in the next month or two.
The retreat we are working on is the essence of us all and your input through your survey answers has played a big role in the future of these new and amazing events.
New ways to connect with laughter and others are in the cards, as are special and exclusive retreats, it is all very exciting and you may wish to clear some space in your 2027-diary for an indulgent nutrition-exploding summer weekend/retreat for a starter.
Thank you for being part of the UnitedMind onwards journey.
With Gratitude,
Lotte Mikkelsen (she/her)
Founder | Chief 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.
Accredited Laughter Therapist Training – REPEAT REMIND
The Power of Laughter in Therapy
This programme adds depth and width to the knowledge and wisdom of therapeutic practices and therapeutic laughter by bringing together the method with the latest research.
The Laughter Therapist Training addresses the much needed aspect of mind and mentality at play in joyfulness and fun, and the need for playing with the pain life presents to us all.
This training is for people with a background in healthcare as therapist, holistic therapist or counsellor, being a Laughter Yoga Professionals is not a requirement but a therapist background is. As Laughter Therapist you must have an understanding and ability to handle your clients’ emotional release and experience of catharsis.
On the 2-day Laughter Yoga Leader Training you learn to run a Laughter Yoga session and finish your training with a presentation, whereas over the minimum 50 hours of learning on the Laughter Therapist Training you learn to facilitate one-on-one or group sessions using therapeutic laughter, creative storytelling, improvisation and drama, as well as profound Laughter Therapy processes and techniques.
The Laughter Therapist Training runs over two and a half days but that does not complete the course. It runs in the following way allowing you to complete within the time-frame given
- 2-day in-person training
- 6-12 months case study work (minimum 2 case studies to be completed, 1 group, 1 individual) finishing with a dissertation
- 1/2 day to present your dissertation and complete the training. This day can be organised as an online or in-person meeting
The qualification is available once a year and can be booked via www.unitedmind.co.uk/product-category/laughtertherapist.
Next training runs on 9-10 October 2026, both days from 9:30 to 17:30, in Stanmore / North London.
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.
Laughter Yoga Leader Training – Durham
Durham training started in 2009 and the 2-day Laughter Yoga Leader Training on 17-18 October will be the last time that I will be teaching in North-East – at least for now.
Becoming a Laughter Yoga Leader gives you an unsurpassed platform for spreading health and wellness through Laughter Yoga in your own workshops and clubs bringing people together at a time when many are still missing the feeling of being connected with others.
The course is also available as an online training with full certification and all courses can be booked via www.unitedmind.co.uk/product-category/laughteryogaleader.
Next training runs on 17-18 October 2026 in Durham, both days 10:00-17:00, and in Stanmore/North London on 5-6 December 2026.
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: Neuroplastic Miracle-Gro
Last time on Neuroplastic Fantastic we looked at how sleep acts as the midnight construction crew, permanently building the habits you highlighted during the day. But even the best construction crew needs fertile ground to work with. If your brain is rigid and dry, change feels exhausting and slow.
What if you could spray a biological “Miracle-Gro” across your neural network, causing new, positive habits to take root at lightning speed?
You actually can. It is a naturally occurring protein called BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), and you hold the trigger to release it.
The Fertilizer for New Habits
Neuroscientists literally refer to BDNF as “Miracle-Gro for the brain.” When BDNF is released, it does three extraordinary things:
- It protects existing neurons from stress and decay.
- It encourages the growth of brand-new brain cells (neurogenesis).
- It increases the flexibility of your synapses, making it incredibly easy for new habits and thought patterns to stick.
When your brain is flooded with BDNF, you learn faster, adapt to change with less mental friction, and bounce back from stressful setbacks much quicker. The absolute fastest, most reliable way to flood your brain with this wonder-protein? Physical movement.
The 10-Minute “Movement Snack”
You do not need to train like an Olympic athlete to unlock this neuroplastic superpower. Research shows that just 10 to 20 minutes of brisk, heart-rate-elevating exercise triggers a massive spike in BDNF that lingers in your system for hours.
Think of exercise not as a chore to burn calories, but as a biological software update that prepares your brain to learn and transform.
The Neuro-Action Step for This Month
This month, use the “Movement Snack” strategy to supercharge your neuroplasticity:
Before you sit down to learn a new skill, work on a difficult project, or practice a positive mindset shift, do 10 minutes of brisk movement. Take a fast walk around the block, do some jumping jacks, or put on your favourite song and dance in your living room. Get your heart pumping just enough to trigger that splash of BDNF. Then, immediately step into your focused task. You will be planting your new habits in the most fertile neural soil possible.
Speak to me about how you can benefit from workshops and training, I am easily contacted on email info@lottemikkelsen.com, or mobile +44 (0) 7736341717.
Greater Yoga Connection Than You May Think, cont’d
Over the past many months I have shared the connection between Laughter Yoga and Yoga, it has become clear that there is a deep connection between Yoga and Laughter Yoga.
This has been a great exploration for me, and I hope you have enjoyed this valuable dive into depth of 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, 5 and 6, 7 and in October we will look at unity consciousness, please read on about Limb 8.
This is the final Limb to cover and I hope you have enjoyed discovering the deep connection between Yoga and Laughter Yoga.
Samadhi – Absorption / Unity Consciousness
In Laughter Yoga:
Moments of:
- Pure joy without reason
- Ego dissolution
- Deep group coherence
Philosophical Meaning:
- Bliss (Ananda) is our natural state.
Spiritual Insight:
- Laughter reveals non-dual awareness—no “I” laughing, only laughter happening.
Final Philosophical Reflection
Patanjali says, “Yogaḥ citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ” – Yoga is the cessation of mental fluctuations.
Laughter Yoga achieves this not by suppression, but by joyful transcendence.
Laughter dissolves the mind, opens the heart, and reveals the Ananda (bliss) that yogic philosophy says is our true nature.
| 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.
Thank you for being curious.
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.
Laughter Yoga Teacher Reunion BOOK 2028 NOW
If you are a Laughter Yoga Teacher please join us on 7-9 July 2028 at De Vere Latimer Estate in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 1UG.
Make sure you get your space and room now as there is limited space (the message from the estate itself)!
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
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 01 November 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, 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:
- 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 06, 13, 20, 27 October 2026 at 19:00-21:30 from £225
- Wednesdays 04, 11, 18, 25 November 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:
- 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.