In the pursuit of happiness and well-being, few things hold as much promise and potency as the simple act of laughter. Recently, I had the privilege of chatting with Thomas Cock, fondly dubbed the “King of Joy,” and Elisabete Fernandes, affectionately known as the “Queen of Happiness,” co-founders of the innovative venture Fall in Laugh. Their insightful reflections illuminated the profound impact of laughter on health and happiness, offering a glimpse into the transformative potential embedded within this universal human experience.
Laughter, often regarded as a spontaneous expression of joy, plays a far more profound role in our lives than mere amusement. It serves as a powerful catalyst for healing, capable of fostering resilience, alleviating stress, and enhancing overall well-being. As Thomas and Elisabete shared their journey, it became evident that their venture was not merely about spreading laughter but also about embracing the essence of self-care in daily life.
What was the pivotal moment that inspired you to start your journey in to wellbeing?
TC: In April 2019, my ex-girlfriend passed away. Despite trying various healing methods, nothing seemed to work. After a long period of grieving, I hit rock bottom. But in that dark moment, I found something unexpected—a glimmer of light that made me laugh. It reminded me of my past as a comedian and sparked a desire to laugh again, but not just for humor’s sake. I wanted to tap into laughter’s universal power, something that could bring people together regardless of language or location.
EF: In 2023, while juggling two businesses, a vibrant social life, and a commitment to sports and spiritual growth, I found myself overwhelmed and plunged into severe depression for nearly half a year. Yet, amidst the darkness, I had a profound epiphany – I yearned for joy above all else. Through the practice of laughter, I rediscovered my energy and vitality, realizing its universal efficacy as a source of renewal. Trust me, laughter’s the best medicine out there – and I’ve got the prescription to prove it!
Tell us a little bit about your business
TC : “Fall in Laugh” is a modernized laughter therapy program that integrates laughter exercises, yogic breathing, meditation, and comedy to alleviate the tensions and stresses of daily life. During sessions lasting 30, 60, or 90 minutes, participants can temporarily set aside their worries. While “Fall in Laugh” is particularly suited for groups, team events, or Christmas parties of up to 10,000 people online and unlimited in person, it also serves as a valuable tool for individuals seeking longer workshops or full-day sessions to explore the psychological and transformative effects of laughter. We are excited to introduce two new products: “10 Days of Laughter” and “Quit Smoking with Laughter.”
How do you prioritize your own wellbeing while running a business?
TC : I recently teamed up with my life partner, Elisabete Fernandes. Together, we’ve decided to apply the same techniques we teach to our daily lives:
JOY IS A MATTER OF PRACTICE.
HAPPINESS IS A DECISION.
LAUGHTER IS A MICRODECISION.
We’re passionate about our work, and just like in the sessions we offer, we aim to blend theory with practice. This means dedicating time to research, computer work, and promotion, alongside engaging in activities such as playing, rehearsing, creating new laughter exercises, moving, and dancing.
EF: I used to believe that finding effortless endeavors was the ultimate life hack. Turns out, the real game-changer is listening to my body. When it needs a break, I hit pause; when I’m energized, I push harder. Sports break up my day, while cooking and reading relax me at night. It’s about finding that balance where work feels like play, and simple pleasures keep me going. After last year, I know that my business can only thrive as much as I do, so staying at the top of my game is my top priority.
How do you overcome obstacles and maintain resilience?
TC: Every morning, we make it a point to laugh, kickstarting the day on a positive note and reinforcing the idea that joy is something we actively cultivate. We believe it’s not just about circumstances but about making the decision to choose joy every single day.
EF: Additionally, we incorporate daily meditation into our routine, ensuring we walk the dog at least twice a day in nature. We also practice hot yoga every other day. I’m particularly passionate about biohacking, always seeking out ways to optimize our daily lives. While it can be challenging, like this month’s sugar-free commitment, we embrace such challenges as opportunities for growth.
How has your own health and wellbeing philosophy influenced your services?
TC: During our extended workshops, our emphasis is on transformative journeys facilitated by laughter. We delve into how laughter can help individuals connect with their authentic selves, eliciting their most genuine laughter. As we explore and understand ourselves better, we find that we have more to offer.
EF: In our workshops, we embrace every emotion, recognizing laughter as our trusted companion in navigating through them and releasing any emotional blockages. Through laughter, we not only experience joy but also find solace and healing in moments of sadness, anger, or fear. It’s a holistic approach to emotional well-being that empowers individuals to embrace their full range of emotions and live authentically.
What self-care practice has had a significant impact on your overall wellbeing?
TC: Whenever I encounter a challenge, I make a conscious effort to laugh at it. As I do, the obstacle seems to shrink, while I grow in strength and resilience. It’s a reminder that we often magnify the difficulty of situations in our minds. By approaching challenges with a sense of playfulness, I find it easier to overcome them and learn valuable lessons more swiftly.
EF: My therapist often advised me to laugh at my problems, but I’ve come to understand that it’s something that requires practice. Initially, it may feel forced or unnatural, but with time and persistence, I’ve found that laughter truly has the power to transform how I perceive and handle challenges. It’s not about dismissing the seriousness of the situation but rather adopting a mindset that allows me to face adversity with greater ease and resilience.
How do you stay updated on the latest health trends?
TC: We’re fortunate to have a wide circle of friends within the industry, providing us with diverse perspectives and opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, we actively participate in various workshops to expand our knowledge and skills. For instance, just yesterday, we attended an excellent workshop by Mindvalley on the Ziva technique.
I also dedicate significant time to journaling, finding immense value in revisiting my past thoughts and comparing them to new ideas. This practice allows me to explore how I can integrate different perspectives and evolve personally and professionally.
EF: My curiosity extends to a wide range of subjects, particularly biohacking and spirituality, which I delve into through extensive reading and podcasts. Furthermore, our weekly brainstorming sessions, typically held on Mondays, are not only productive but also incredibly enjoyable. They spark laughter and joy as we exchange ideas and explore new possibilities together.
Have there been choices that challenged your personal values for the sake of business growth?
TC: We’re always eager to explore new ventures and have developed a knack for adapting swiftly. Occasionally, we’ll embark on a new endeavor only to backtrack after a couple of weeks, realizing it’s not the right fit for us. However, with each trial and error, we gain a clearer understanding of our preferences and boundaries. Testing our limits remains one of the most effective ways to learn and grow, even if it means failing quickly.
What we call falling quickly! And laughing harder.
EF: While delving into psychology and neurosciences might have seemed incongruous in my past ventures, I now feel deeply aligned with my true purpose. Moreover, I’ve come to recognize that this knowledge serves a greater cause, enabling me to make meaningful contributions to both my personal and professional life.
Was there a particular setback that taught you valuable lessons?
TC: Temperance is key. There was a period when I found myself juggling four team events daily, for months on end. While this brought Fall in Laugh considerable recognition and financial gain, it was undeniably taxing. Beginning early in the morning with Australia and wrapping up late with San Francisco created a relentless schedule. Yet, I’ve come to realize that having some space in your schedule fosters creativity and leads to innovative solutions. Rest can often reveal smarter or more original approaches.
EF: Absolutely, I echo the sentiment of balance. Striving to do your best doesn’t necessarily mean doing more. It’s about finding harmony between productivity and self-care.
What projects you are currently working on?
TC: We are dedicated to the development of laughter psychology, which we see as a powerful tool for individuals to gain deeper self-understanding and navigate life’s challenges with a positive outlook. As a secret project, we’re crafting the Laughter Human Design, exploring how laughter can unveil insights into one’s personality. Have you ever wondered what your laughter reveals about you?
EF: Additionally, we’ve delved into the nuances of laughter across genders, aiming to foster better understanding between men and women. Given our relationship as a couple, we’ve also focused on helping partners laugh together, recognizing laughter as a unifying force in relationships.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your business?
TC: Envisioning a planet filled with more joy and people who are self-reliant and empowered, all thanks to the power of laughter.
EF: Keep an eye out for our next interview; we may delve into this further. Laughter possesses the remarkable ability to heal illnesses and even contribute to healing the planet.
Website: www.fallinlaugh.com
Social Media Accounts:
(We will follow your accounts and tag you in on any promotions)
https://www.instagram.com/fallinlaughlisboa/
https://www.facebook.com/fallinlaughlaughteryoga
https://www.linkedin.com/company/fall-in-laugh/
https://www.youtube.com/@thomcock
