The Healing Power of Laughter

Author: Dr. Natalie Staats Reiss, Ph.D. Medical Reviewer: Dr. Jesse Hanson, Ph.D. Last updated:

Laughter is more than just a reaction to something funny—it’s a natural and powerful way to improve overall well-being. Whether it’s the contagious giggle of a baby, a well-timed joke, or a shared moment of humor with friends, laughter has an impact on both mind and body. It relieves stress, strengthens relationships, and even contributes to long-term health benefits.

“A laugh is such a pure thing. There’s no opinion to it. Almost every other creative field has to suffer the interpretive opinion culture.” – Jerry Seinfeld

Finding Joy in a Busy World

In today’s fast-paced world, stress, anxiety, and daily pressures often dominate our thoughts, leaving little space for joy and lightheartedness. With so many responsibilities pulling our attention, laughter can sometimes feel like an afterthought.

Yet, understanding the science behind laughter can be a powerful tool for improving both mental and physical well-being. By making room for humor, we can create moments of relief, build resilience, and bring a sense of balance to even the busiest days.

The Physiological Effects of Laughter

Laughter triggers a series of physiological changes that benefit the body almost immediately. When you laugh, your heart rate and blood pressure rise temporarily, circulation improves, and your immune system becomes more active. The simple act of laughing increases oxygen intake, stimulates the skeletal muscles, and releases endorphins; the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals. [1]

Just as important is what happens after the laughter fades. As your body shifts from activity to recovery, your heart rate slows, blood pressure drops, and muscle tension eases. This natural relaxation response is similar to deep breathing or meditation, helping to lower stress hormones like cortisol and counteract the physical effects of stress and anxiety. [2]

Ways laughter improves physical health:

  • Start your day with humor – Watch a funny video, read a comic strip, or listen to a comedy podcast to set a positive tone.
  • Engage in playful activities – Spend time with pets, play games, or do something lighthearted to keep your body and mind engaged.
  • Try laughter exercises – Laughter yoga, which combines deep breathing with forced laughter, can trick the brain into releasing endorphins, even if the laughter starts out as intentional.

Laughter as a Mental Reset

Beyond its physical benefits, laughter is a powerful psychological tool. It naturally relieves stress by releasing tension and shifting focus away from worries. When we laugh, the brain filters out negative thoughts while amplifying positive ones, gradually training the mind to lean toward optimism rather than dwelling on stress or setbacks. [3]

Laughter also shapes how we perceive challenges. Finding humor in difficult situations can lighten their emotional weight, making them feel less overwhelming. This shift not only supports a greater sense of control but also strengthens our ability to navigate stress in a healthier, more constructive way.

Using laughter for mental well-being:

  • Reframe problems with humor – Instead of letting stress take over, look for the absurdity or irony in situations.
  • Surround yourself with funny people – Laughter is contagious, so spending time with people who make you laugh naturally boosts mood.
  • Use humor as a coping strategy – When dealing with frustration, try to find something amusing about the situation rather than focusing on the negative.

Laughter as a Bridge to Connection

Laughter isn’t just a personal experience; it’s a powerful way to bring people together. Sharing a laugh breaks down barriers, eases tension, and builds trust. Studies show that people who laugh together feel closer, communicate more openly, and strengthen their relationships. In friendships, families, and workplaces, humor can turn everyday interactions into meaningful connections.

Beyond improving relationships, laughter also enhances emotional intelligence. It helps navigate social situations, ease conflicts, and create a sense of belonging. A shared joke or lighthearted moment can make difficult conversations easier and strengthen bonds over time. In both personal and professional settings, humor makes interactions more engaging, positive, and productive.

Laughter for better mental health and relationships:

  • Spend time with positive people – Surround yourself with those who bring humor and joy into daily life.
  • Share funny moments – Watch a comedy, swap jokes, or reminisce about lighthearted memories with others.
  • Laugh at yourself – Embracing life’s imperfections can make challenges feel less overwhelming.

Long-Term Health Benefits of Laughter

Laughter creates lasting benefits for overall health. Research shows that it strengthens the immune system, supports heart health, and even increases pain tolerance. It also plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for both diabetics and non-diabetics. [4]

Beyond physical health, laughter enhances cognitive function and job performance, particularly in creative roles. A lighthearted mindset promotes problem-solving, adaptability, and collaboration, making laughter a valuable asset in both personal and professional life.

Bringing more laughter into daily life:

  • Keep a humor journal – Write down funny experiences or jokes you hear throughout the day. Revisiting them later can provide an instant mood boost.
  • Laugh intentionally – Even forced laughter can trigger positive effects in the brain, so don’t hesitate to fake it until it becomes real.
  • Make humor a daily habit – Whether it’s a funny podcast during your commute or a comedy special before bed, schedule laughter into your routine.

Factors That Influence Laughter’s Effects

Not everyone experiences the benefits of laughter in the same way. Several factors influence its impact, including personality, sense of humor, and individual coping styles. Some people turn to humor as a way to relieve stress, making laughter an effective emotional reset. Others, particularly those in high-pressure or stressful environments, may find humor harder to access, making laughter a less immediate source of relief.

Connecting with humor that feels natural and personally meaningful enhances its impact, creating a stronger emotional and psychological response. This makes laughter even more effective in supporting overall well-being

Maximizing laughter’s benefits:

  • Know your humor style – Whether it’s satire, absurdity, or observational humor, embrace what genuinely makes you laugh.
  • Create a laughter-friendly environment – Surround yourself with people and content that encourage humor and playfulness.
  • Be open to humor in unexpected places – Even serious situations can have moments of levity. Look for lightness wherever possible.

Make Laughter a Daily Habit

The takeaway? Prioritize laughter as an essential part of self-care! Life will always present challenges, but a good laugh can provide the mental and physical reset needed to handle them with greater ease.

  • Seek out humor in daily life.
  • Let yourself laugh freely and often.
  • Find joy in small, unexpected moments.

Laughter is a powerful tool for a healthier, more joyful life. Each laugh strengthens resilience, relieves stress, and adds a moment of lightness to the day. Life’s challenges will always be there, but embracing humor can shift your perspective, making obstacles feel smaller and more manageable.

Make laughter a daily habit. Seek out joy, welcome humor, and stay present in moments of lightheartedness. Whether it’s sharing a joke with a friend, reminiscing about a funny memory, or simply not taking yourself too seriously, laughter is always within reach.

So smile more, laugh often, and remember… life feels a little easier when you can find the joy in it!

References
  1. Hajar, Rachel. “Laughter in Medicine.” Heart Views, vol. 24, no. 1, 2023, pp. 42–46. PubMed Central, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10249641/. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
  2. Mayo Clinic. “Stress Relief from Laughter? It’s No Joke.” Mayo Clinic, 29 July 2021, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456. Accessed 26 Jan. 2022.
  3. Kramer, Caroline Kaercher, and Cristiane Bauermann Leitao. “Laughter as Medicine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventional Studies Evaluating the Impact of Spontaneous Laughter on Cortisol Levels.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 14, 2023, Article 10204943. PubMed Central, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10204943/. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
  4. Hirosaki, Mayumi, et al. “Laughter Yoga as an Enjoyable Therapeutic Approach for Glycemic Control in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 14, 2024, Article 10102335. PubMed Central, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10102335/. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
Author Dr. Natalie Staats Reiss, Ph.D. Writer

Dr. Natalie Staats Reiss is a licensed psychologist in Ohio with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from West Virginia University. Her research focuses on healthy aging, stress, and burnout in hospice care staff, while her clinical expertise centers on the mental health needs of older adults and their caregivers.

Published: Feb 19th 2025, Last edited: Feb 19th 2025

Dr. Jesse Hanson, PhD
Medical Reviewer Dr. Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.

Dr. Jesse Hanson, Ph.D., is a somatic psychologist with over 20 years of experience. He holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, specializing in somatic and neuropsychology, as well as a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute.

Content reviewed by a medical professional. Last reviewed: Feb 19th 2025
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