Lifting Each Other Up In Love: Getting To Know Laughing LoveBugs Team

Love is one of the warmest, most enduring, infectious feeling in the world. When we have love we look better, we feel better, and our productivity becomes better. Love in terms of health and mental stablity is a different vibe all in its own right. Recently SHEEN was able to catch up with the dynamic duo and creators of Love Bugs; a form of laughter yoga. Not only are the pair business partners, but they are a real life husband and wife brand out here assisting with health, love, and wellness.

SHEEN: We love entrepreneurs and we’ve seen a lot of new brands and businesses emerge in the wake of COVID. Not only are you guys business partners, but you’re a husband/wife duo. What made you two decide to start a business together?

LAUGHING LOVE BUGS: Our decision to start a business together evolved from a profound synergy, aligning our passion and vision to bring joy and laughter into people’s lives through laughter yoga. The transformative impact of our initial laughter yoga session motivated us to become certified laughter yoga teachers, realizing the extraordinary potential of this practice. The decision to launch our laughter yoga business was a natural progression, fueled by a deep conviction to share this empowering practice with others. Our journey into laughter yoga not only transformed our lives but also inspired a shared purpose to help people destress, find joy, and enhance their overall well-being.

SHEEN: Marriage and businesses are almost one in the same. They take work, commitment, dedication, and determination. In both entities you have your good days and bad days. How do you guys navigate both especially while providing a service for others?

LAUGHING LOVE BUGS: Navigating the intertwined realms of marriage and business requires intentional efforts and a shared commitment to our vision. Despite challenges, we learn from mistakes together, champion each other through highs and lows, and optimize our communication. Growing and building together is amazing, turning obstacles into fulfilling milestones on this journey.

SHEEN: Laughter Yoga. An interesting concept. How did you two decide to get involved with this niche?

LAUGHING LOVE BUGS: We always say that this practice found us. In the midst of facing work-related challenges and stress, including a lengthy layoff and a return to an intensely stressful work environment for Lauren, and an injury and layoff for Alik, we were seeking unique stress relief. Lauren stumbled upon laughter yoga, and after an intriguing initial session, she invited Alik to join a second class, marking the beginning of our laughter yoga journey. Initially skeptical, Alik hesitated but decided to try laughter yoga. During the session, a remarkable shift occurred, fostering a profound mind-body connection. Alik’s self-rating went from a 2 to an 8! This internal transformation was life-changing for both of us. Our decision to get involved with this niche was driven by the profound positive impact it had on our well-being during a challenging period.

SHEEN: So often we’ve heard the term, “you have to laugh to keep from crying”, but your service actually helps health wise. What are some of the ways laughter yoga can help health wise and mentally?

LAUGHING LOVE BUGS: In order to get the health benefits of laughter we have to laugh for at least 10-15 minutes straight! Laughter also has to be deep, coming from the diaphragm. Natural Laughter that courses through our life depends upon many reasons, and conditions, but there are not many reasons which make us laugh. That means we are leaving laughter to chance, it may happen it may not. In Laughter Yoga, we are not leaving laughter to chance, but doing it out of commitment. This is a guaranteed way of getting the mental emotional physical and social health benefits! It transcends cultural barriers, fostering brain-heart coherence and revitalizing the mind-body connection. Laughter serves as a liberator, breaking the chains of stress and resistance, reminding us of our innate well-being. This unique approach provides a robust cardiovascular workout, boosting the immune system, enhancing oxygen intake, aiding digestion, and relieving bodily pain and tension.

Specific health benefits include:

●  Immune System Boost: Activates T-cells, strengthening immunity.

●  Heart Health: Acts as a potent cardio exercise, beneficial for those with physical

limitations.

●  Blood Pressure Reduction: Triggers fluctuations, promoting a healthier cardiovascular

system.

●  Holistic Wellness: Promotes emotional relief and positive physiological changes.

●  Stress Hormone Control: Diminishes stress hormones, reducing anxiety and

strengthening immune response.

●  Pain and Tension Alleviation: Releases endorphins, soothing pain and relaxing muscles.

●  Blood Sugar Management: Complements efforts to control blood sugar levels through

increased oxygen intake.

●  Brain Vitality: Augments oxygen supply, enhancing brain function and efficiency.

Overall Laughter Yoga is not just about laughs; it unlocks a multitude of health benefits, making it a holistic and enjoyable practice.

SHEEN: I recently read a meme on social media, “I need to have my therapist on speed dial”, although it was meant to be funny, there are times people may need that extra session. With the service that you all provide, so you also give at home techniques?

LAUGHING LOVE BUGS: Absolutely, our Laughter Yoga services are tailored to the specific demographic of each session, allowing participants to effortlessly incorporate learned techniques into their daily lives. Through customizable sessions, we provide laughtercises that serve as adaptive coping tools, fostering vibrancy and joy even during stressful times. Laughter yoga, being simple, effective, and fun, requires no special equipment or clothing, making it accessible for everyone. These at-home techniques can be effortlessly incorporated into daily routines, offering a practical and enjoyable way to enhance well-being.

SHEEN: What would you say would surprise people the most about laughter yoga?

LAUGHING LOVE BUGS: Unlike traditional yoga, laughter yoga doesn’t require prerequisites such as specific poses, flexibility, or even a yoga mat. While it shares deep breathing techniques (Pranayama) with traditional yoga, the unique aspect of laughter yoga lies in integrating laughter exercises with these breathing techniques—no sense of humor required. A surprising fact about laughter yoga is that it isn’t based on being funny, jokes, or comedy. We teach that we should be in a good mood or rely on a sense of humor to laugh. Remarkably, the body and brain does not know the difference between real and fake laughter, so even with fake laughter your body still responds with the real ease of feel good hormones that effectively lower stress.

SHEEN: Working together and being married together seems amazing. Let our readers know how to find balance? Do you have boundaries once you’re home like no business talks during dinner?

LAUGHING LOVE BUGS: Finding the right balance between work and personal life can be a challenge, but it’s a challenge we willingly embrace. The key lies in open communication and a shared understanding, strengthening both our professional and personal bonds. This shared approach helps us transform stressors and challenges into opportunities for growth. We leverage each other’s strengths and fight the problem, not each other – we are on the same team. As life and business partners, we celebrate our victories and discovered a unique strength in facing challenges together. Combining our efforts, we assess how each of our skills adds value to the united growth of our business and marriage.

SHEEN: Are there any plans for expansion past laughter yoga?

LAUGHING LOVE BUGS: We are energized to continue striving forward, progress and attainment. Laughing Lovebugs is poised for remarkable growth and impact. Our vision revolves around the establishment of Laughing Lovebugs Land—a retreat center where individuals can immerse themselves in the transformative power of laughter and receive the precious gift of joy. We aim to continue our global exploration, forming meaningful relationships and spreading upliftment through the shared experience of laughter. Our brand’s expansion encompasses a diverse range of offerings, from branded merchandise like T-shirts to feel-good wellness retreat experiences and establishing a worldwide presence as laughter yoga teachers. Our ambitions extend to providing wellness services on a national and international scale, reaching learning institutions, corporations, healthcare facilities, and wellness resorts. Notably, we’re actively working towards integrating laughter yoga into schools worldwide. Additionally, we are dedicated to developing on-demand laughter yoga videos, providing accessible avenues for individuals to experience the benefits of laughter on their terms. With a mission to promote laughter’s positive impact, we aim to be featured on television shows, making laughter a public experience and amplifying its reach to a wider audience. In essence, our journey is one of continuous growth, driven by the desire to cultivate well-being, joy, and connectedness through the simple yet powerful tool of laughter.

SHEEN: What are you hoping each client takes away from a laughter yoga session?

LAUGHING LOVE BUGS: We hope each client takes away from a laughter yoga session the empowering essence of this practice. It goes beyond mere laughter, providing a unique tool for mindfulness that becomes a lifestyle. Laughter Yoga, a steadfast companion through stress and challenges, not only elevates well-being but enhances the overall quality of life. Its holistic approach has ingrained itself into our daily lives, contributing continuously to our well-being and positively impacting those around us. This highly effective practice, initially unknown to us, releases stress, increases awareness of the mind-body connection, and leads to an ultimate transformation.

SHEEN: What’s next for the dynamic duo?

LAUGHING LOVE BUGS: Our next endeavors include a branded merchandise launch, hosting Feel Good wellness retreat experiences and expanding globally by collaborating with individuals, schools, companies, and organizations across various industries worldwide. Laughing Lovebugs’ philosophy centers on adding value to as many lives as possible through Laughter Yoga, aiming to cultivate joy. The ongoing intention is to ensure that anyone engaged with benefits by feeling better. The ultimate goal is to expand wellness services nationally and internationally. Recognizing the widespread impact of stress, anger, loneliness, and depression, our passion is ignited to empower, inspire, enlighten, and awaken inner joy in every person we interact with.

How exciting is it to know that we can combine laughter and exercise in a healthy form? Learning how to reduce stress levels and maintain some sense of balance and peace in one’s life is always helpful. Laughing Lovebugs has definetely been informative on this fun new way to create that zin and peaceful space that we need or crave. What a perfect way to start the new year. So SHEEN squad we can’t wait to hear your feedback once you’ve tried Laughing Yoga. Keep us posted and keep laughing.