The Power of Laughter: Insights from Cathy Nesbitt on Joy, Healing, and World Peace

What if the simplest path to joy, healing, and even world peace was already within us—through laughter? On the Inspired Choice Today podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing Cathy Nesbitt, a health and wellness advocate and certified laughter yoga teacher. Cathy’s transformative approach combines humor with purpose, showing how intentional laughter can alleviate stress, build resilience, and unlock a greater sense of well-being.

From Compost to Laughter: Cathy’s Unique Journey

Cathy’s story is anything but conventional. As the founder of Cathy's Crawly Composters, she started her career promoting sustainable living through indoor composting. But after 10 years of hearing “Ew, worms in the house!” one too many times, she felt emotionally drained. That’s when laughter yoga entered her life, offering a unique, unexpected remedy for stress.

“Laughter yoga isn’t about fancy poses,” Cathy explained. “It’s laughing as a cardiovascular workout.” This simple yet powerful practice transformed her mindset, teaching her to release negativity and embrace resilience. Today, Cathy leads laughter yoga sessions and workshops, inspiring individuals to use joy as a tool for personal and communal growth.

Why Laughter Matters

Stress has become a chronic condition in modern life, with even minor inconveniences triggering disproportionate responses. Cathy describes stress as a “habit” that keeps us in a perpetual state of tension. But laughter is the antidote.

“When we laugh, we secrete love drugs—dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins,” Cathy shared. “Laughter is the opposite of stress, and it helps us reset.”

She also shed light on why people laugh during seemingly inappropriate moments, like funerals or accidents. “It’s the body’s natural response to release pressure,” Cathy explained. “Laughter acts like a pressure valve, letting go of the stress we’ve been holding onto.”

Transformative Impact of Laughter

The impact of Cathy’s laughter yoga sessions extends far beyond the room. In one memorable session, a participant recovering from knee surgery reported sleeping longer and deeper after eight weeks of insomnia. Even more remarkable, she was able to remain calm during her son’s emotional crisis later that day.

“Laughter prepares your body for joy,” Cathy said. “When we’re fully oxygenated and flooded with love hormones, we’re better equipped to handle life’s challenges.”

A Vision for World Peace

Cathy’s mission extends beyond personal healing. Inspired by Dr. Madan Kataria, the founder of laughter yoga, Cathy believes in laughter’s potential to create world peace. With laughter clubs in over 120 countries, the movement demonstrates that shared joy can transcend barriers and unite people globally.

“Laughter raises our vibration,” Cathy explained. “Just like one candle takes away the darkness, one giggle can spark hope and connection.”

The Choice Is Ours

In a world dominated by stress, Cathy reminds us that we hold the power to choose joy. She encourages simple practices like starting the day with gratitude, taking deep breaths, and, of course, laughing.

“When we feel good, we do good,” Cathy emphasized. And it’s true—the ripple effects of joy can inspire transformation not only in ourselves but in those around us.

Get Involved

Cathy invites everyone to join her free online laughter club, held weekly on Zoom. It’s a chance to experience the magic of laughter yoga firsthand and rediscover the joy that lies within us all.

If you’re ready to explore the healing power of laughter, don’t miss this conversation with Cathy Nesbitt ?? She/Her . Together, we can embrace joy, raise our vibrations, and maybe, just maybe, make the world a little brighter.

Listen to the full episode on Inspired Choice Today and learn how to laugh your way to a happier, healthier life.

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