On October 9, 2017, Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran invited Laughter Yoga USA into the Lake County Jail for a one-hour ‘Laughter Yoga’ session with jail inmates.  ‘Laughter Yoga’ is described as helping in decreasing depression and anxiety, lowering blood pressure, releasing endorphins (it’s a cardio workout), connecting people, offering compassion, hope, positive attitude, and gratitude.

During the session, inmates were taught the benefits of laughter, mediation, and breathing exercises to reduce stress and remain healthy.  The participating inmates learned Yoga exercises and participated in a ‘seated mediation.’

Sheriff Mark Curran said, “Programming is a pillar of our operations inside the Lake County Jail.  Through our programming, educational, spiritual, and reentry programs, we strive to provide inmates with the tools they need to reenter the community, and stay out of jail.  This session of Laughter Yoga received high praise from the participating inmates, there were plenty of laughs, and many inspired inmates!”