News
Stretching for laughs in the park
Thursday 22 November, 2012
There was lots of laughter and long stretches for a group taking part in a special yoga session at Braeside Park recently. They were enjoying a Laughter Yoga class as part of a Re-Activate in Parks program for the ‘more mature’ age group, being run by Parks Victoria and COTA - Council of the Ageing.
Laughter Yoga combines laughter with yoga breathing. The laughter is not for any of the usual reasons, but as a body exercise within a group, and one participant, Gaye, says it’s good for both mind and body.
“I felt more energized, and with a really positive attitude to the week ahead. I actually got a lot done in the afternoon after that session. I feel really comfortable participating in the laughter yoga with this particular group of people, as we’ve been together for 12 weeks in the Re-Activate in Parks program.”
Another member of the group, Rosaleen, really enjoyed the laughter technique. “It was a new way of opening up my mind, and it really releases tension. And what’s more it’s free, everyone can do it. ”
Re-Activate in Parks helps seniors connect with others in their local community through participation in recreation activities in local parks.
There is increasing evidence to show that getting out into a park and connecting with nature is good for both physical and mental health and well being.
Re-Activate is providing weekly activities such as park gym and tai chi for older adults in Braeside Park up until the 3rd December.