I get paid to laugh for a living, it’s the best job and it helps so many people

TOMORROW marks blue Monday – widely considered the most depressing day of the year.

With the festive party season now well behind us, the winter weather setting in and everyone back at work, the third Monday of the new year is said to be the date most of us feel utterly down in the dumps.

But not Natalie Gilray. She gave up her job as a social worker, which left her stressed and feeling burnt out, to laugh for a living.

The Inverness life coach and laughter yoga pro, 44, now spreads joy in her job – and writes for The Scottish Sun today to do the same for readers.

She shares details of her fascinating line of work and tips for getting through Blue Monday unscathed.

TOMORROW as the world acknowledges Blue Monday – the so-called ”most depressing day of the year” – let’s come together to defy the gloom and illuminate our lives with laughter, purpose and clarity.

Blue Monday often brings a storm of post-holiday blues, financial strains and winter chills.

But fear not, I bring a ray of sunshine. I’m a laughter yoga professional, life coach and declutter specialist from Inverness.
Formerly a social worker, I experienced burnout. Perpetual exhaustion, soaring stress, anxiety and persistent low mood became my unwelcome companions.

Switching off after work seemed impossible, and joy felt like a distant memory.

Enter laughter yoga, a chance discovery that breathed new life into my existence and reshaped my life.

Founded by Dr Madan Kataria in 1998, laughter yoga combines fun laughter exercises with yogic breathing techniques.

This unique and playful practice invites participants to engage in laughter-inducing activities, whether authentic or simulated, unlocking a myriad of health benefits.

What makes laughter yoga truly remarkable is the body’s inability to distinguish between genuine and pretend laughter, rendering it a therapeutic and uplifting experience for both physical and mental wellbeing.

Learning to laugh, even when not in the mood, became my secret weapon. Laughter, an instant mood lifter and stress-buster, worked its magic over time. Like any wellbeing practice, regularity is key, and as laughter became a constant in my life, the transformation was remarkable. I felt lighter, more resilient and less anxious.

The joy I once thought was lost returned. Simultaneously, I embarked on decluttering my house, and the impact rippled into decluttering my mental stress.

Today, I share this journey from burnout to bliss, a testament to the transformative power of laughter and intentional self-care.
Through my business Lighten The Load, I am all about helping folk let go of what’s dragging them down.

Laughter therapy stands now as my not-so-secret weapon and I am dedicated to sharing its profound impact with the world.

People can feel a bit self-conscious during their first laughter yoga experience, and that is completely normal. But during the sessions, you can approach it with an open mind and embrace your inner child in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

Initially, the laughter might be more on the pretend side, but you’ll quickly find it evolving into genuine laughter, when the infectious nature of real laughter becomes apparent.

In group settings of laughter yoga, the collective energy amplifies the joy. As you continue, you are likely to discover that any initial self-consciousness gradually fades away, making room for the pure delight of laughter to take centre stage.

So, as Blue Monday approaches, let’s give it a swerve. Set realistic goals, catch up with friends, walk in nature, declutter and have a good old laugh.

Together, these tips can form a robust defence against the January blues, fostering positivity, connection and a renewed sense of purpose.

By embracing these practices, you can not only navigate Blue Monday with grace, but set the stage for a year filled with resilience, wellbeing and moments of genuine joy.

Firstly, keep it real with goals. Forget those grand new year’s resolutions. Small, achievable goals are where it is at.
Celebrate the little victories and let progress be the name of the game. Who needs perfection anyway?

Make sure you connect with your tribe. Contact friends or family via a call, coffee catch-up or virtual hangout.

Shared experiences and supportive relationships act as potent remedies for the January blues.

And remember, nature is your bestie. In Scotland, we’re surrounded by gorgeous landscapes. Go for a walk, breathe in the crisp air, and let nature work its magic on your mood.

When it comes to your home, clear the clutter.

Ever notice how a messy space can mess with your head? If so, it’s time for a bit of decluttering therapy. Start small — maybe tackle that junk drawer or clean up your digital space. Creating a bit of order can do wonders for your mind.

And finally, always remember to laugh things off.

Laughter isn’t just good for the soul — it’s a game-changer.

I know firsthand. Laughter yoga turned my burnout blues into pure joy.

So chuckle a bit, find reasons to laugh, and watch how it lightens the load.