A little laughter each day can reduce stress, help people find balance and happiness and improve workplace productivity, according to a certified laughter yoga leader and an NICC employee.
    Certified laughter yoga leader and teacher Laura Gentry will lead an interactive workshop over the lunch hour at the Heritage Events Center in Cresco on April 23.
    Laughter Yoga combines laughter with deep yogic breathing, stretching and relaxation exercises. It improves moods while giving the person laughing some exercise. Gentry’s Web site, www.laughteryogaiowa.com, says laughter yoga can also increase creativity, physical vitality and improve a participant’s sense of well-being. Practicing laughter yoga brings a host of health benefits, both physical and emotional, Gentry says.
    The Cresco Chamber of Commerce and Northeast Iowa Community College are hosting the workshop in honor of Administrative Professionals Day, April 23. Administrative Professionals Week is observed annually during the last full week of April.
    Maura Jones, continuing education program manager at NICC, said the laughter yoga workshop is beneficial to businesses.
    “Stress causes businesses lost wages in a sense and lost productivity,” Jones said. “If they can bring positive energy back to the businesses, then the businesses can be more productive.”   
    Registration on the day of the event will begin at 11 a.m. The program will be held from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Lunch will follow from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Croissants, wraps, salads, desserts and beverages will be served.
    To reserve a spot at the laughter yoga lunch and workshop, call 1-800-728-2256, ext. 399. The workshop will be followed by a lunch. The registration deadline is April 16. Payment of the program’s $15 fee will confirm registrations.
    Gentry hosts laughter yoga events and laughter clubs throughout Iowa. She also leads laughter retreats, motivational speaking, wellness programs and corporate services, among other programs. She has worked as a motivational speaker and workshop leader for over 10 years. Gentry also offers instructor courses for those interested in becoming a certified laughter yoga teacher.