Connie discovered laughter wellness after sustaining a workplace injury. Still in pain a year later, Connie found herself stuck in a cycle of pain and anxiety. ‘The pain was making me anxious, and the anxiety was interfering with my body’s ability to heal,’ Connie says. ‘It occurred to me, if this is what stress does for pain, what would laughter do? I saw it as the natural opposite.’ Connie then signed up for a laughter yoga class ñ a series of clapping, breathing and laughter exercises. ‘I walked away smiling and feeling much lighter,’ she says. ‘I realised how powerful laughter is in terms of healing, and I wanted to get involved.’

Connie launched her business in 2014 and has since become Australia’s first Laughter Wellness Trainer. She has shared the power of laughter with banks, stressed out students and her Saturday morning Bondi Beach Laughter Club. Connie says the positive vibe among participants is palpable. ‘When you laugh you feel good, and it’s wonderful to be in an environment where you’re sharing that with people.’