In today’s world—buzzing with deadlines, stress, nonstop notifications, and crazy politics - it’s easy to forget how healing a simple laugh can be. But laughter isn’t just about comic relief or funny cat videos. It’s actually the naturalist of medicines, a built-in wellness tool that we all have access to.
Laughter connects us, lifts our spirits, lowers our stress, and even improves our health. Whether it’s a belly laugh with friends or a spontaneous giggle, the benefits ripple through your mind and body in ways science is only beginning to fully understand.
So, let’s explore what science is saying about the benefits of laughter.
1. Stress Relief and Hormone Regulation
Laughter is a powerful stress buster. It stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system—raising heart rate and blood pressure briefly, then bringing them down—leaving you feeling relaxed. As a matter of fact, studies show that your cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone, can drop by 30–37% after a laughter session.
2. Heart and Physical Health
Your heart loves a good laugh.
• It improves circulation and helps regulate blood pressure
• Laughing for 10–15 minutes burns about 40 calories
• It even mimics light cardio by stimulating your heart and lungs
• It may lower the risk of heart disease
3. Natural Pain Relief
Laughter releases endorphins which are your brain’s natural feel-good chemicals.
• It’s a great painkiller as it increases your threshold for discomfort
• People recovering from illness or surgery have shown reduced pain perception when laughter is encouraged
As an example, in 1964 Norman Cousins discovered that ten minutes of intense laughter could provide him with hours of pain relief. It helped him heal from a debilitating illness that he detailed in a book he wrote called “Anatomy of an Illness.” His work kicked off the whole study of laughter.
A more recent study in the Journal of Holistic Nursing found that patients who laughed regularly needed less pain medication.
4. Mental Health and Emotional Resilience
Laughter is a mental health superpower.
• It increases dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin - hormones that lift mood, reduce anxiety, and build connection.
• It promotes a sense of perspective, helping you “zoom out” from stress and see the bigger picture.
• Laughter therapy has even been linked to lower depression scores and improved memory in older adults.
5. Immunity and Disease Prevention
Laughter strengthens your immune system by boosting the production of antibodies and activating protective cells like T-cells and natural killer cells. It helps your body fight off illness more effectively, making it a true form of preventive medicine.
A February 2025 UCLA Health article summed it up perfectly: “Laughter benefits older adults by reducing stress, boosting immunity, relieving pain, improving circulation, and elevating mood—all without a prescription.”
Last week, I wrote about the physical Yoga and its benefits. Well…there is even Laughter Yoga which was pioneered by Dr. Madan Kataria in 1995. Laughter Yoga blends intentional laughter with breathing and stretching. It’s used worldwide in clinics, retirement homes, and mental health programs.
Laughter therapy is also integrated into treatment plans for cancer, COPD, and chronic pain because of its proven track record.
6. The Impact of Being with Others
When you’re with others the impact of laughter is 30 times stronger which is because it’s a social signal—a way to connect, build trust, and release shared tension.
Laughing together also increases oxytocin which is the “bonding” hormone and improves cooperation and empathy. This is what women giving birth experience, so it bonds them to the baby.
So… what can you do to bring more laughter into your life because laughter can be intentionally created! Here’s some laughable ideas for you to explore:
• Watch or listen to comedy daily or this is where the cat videos come into play
• Start a group chat with a “joke of the day”
• Try laughter yoga—online or in-person
• Play games or improv activities with friends or family
• Reframe your stressors—find the absurdity (Yes, there can be absurdity right under your nose) and laugh it off
Laughter isn’t just a momentary mood booster, it’s a full-body, full-brain healing experience. It improves immunity, supports your heart, reduces pain, lifts depression, and strengthens relationships.
So…give yourself permission to laugh. Giggle with a friend, rewatch that ridiculous comedy, or simply smile at something small. It’s not silly, plus you can now say “the scientists made me do it.”