Benefits of Laughter

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1. How can laughter help boost your wellbeing?

As a psychologist, I love everything about laughing! How it makes us feel, what it does to our bodies, our relationships, our sleep, our motivation - the benefits to our wellbeing go on and one. Whatever we are going through in life, laughter is a natural mood booster, acting as a reset button for the mind. Laughing reduces stress by triggering the release of endorphins, the body's "feel-good" chemicals, which can elevate your mood and combat anxiety or sadness. Socially, sharing laughter strengthens connections, fostering a sense of belonging and support. In difficult moments, humour offers perspective, helping us reframe challenges more positively. Humour (even dark humour) is used as a bid for connection and as a way to share what is going on in difficult times in life. It is an effective coping mechanism for many people dealing with problems at all levels. Regular laughter also encourages a more optimistic outlook, which can make it easier to navigate life’s ups and downs. 

There is often a lightness in laughter which makes us more approachable, more likeable and definitely more attractive to others. When I managed large mental health teams, we would often leave time to incorporate laughing into our team meetings. It benefited us by helping us to destress, feel more motivated. It was also a way to connect with each other and make the team feel their manager cared and was approachable. 

2. Does laughter prompt any physiological processes in the body—if so, what are these and how can they impact your health?

Yes, laughter triggers several beneficial physiological processes. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which counters the body's stress response, leading to lower heart rates and blood pressure. Laughing stimulates the lungs, promoting deeper breathing and improving oxygen intake, which can reduce fatigue. It also boosts circulation and muscle relaxation, reducing physical tension. There is some evidence that laughter enhances immune function by increasing the production of natural killer cells and antibodies, making the body more resilient to illness. The endorphins laughter produces are a natural painkiller. Together, these processes create a cascade of health benefits, supporting both physical and mental well-being.

3. Can you cite any scientific studies that have been carried out in this area?

We all know the phrase ‘laughter is the best medicine’. There are over 17,400 studies that look at laughter and its effects on wellbeing. The findings throughout all this research is that laughter truly is medicinal, with benefits across the physical, mental and wellbeing components of participants. So, having a laugh with friends and family can be hugely therapeutic to both your physical and mental health. A Journal for Public Health Nursing, has even suggested that healthcare professionals could be recommending laughing as a form of treatment. 

Last year, The University of Toronto conducted an analysis on the studies that had examined laughter and a reduction in cortisol (the stress hormone). The findings assessed that laughing for just nine minutes reduced cortisol 36.7%. A study published earlier this year ‘Effects of Laughter Therapy on Improving Negative Emotions Associated with Cancer’ showed laughter therapy improved negative emotions including anxiety, depression, pain and fatigue in cancer patients regardless of their age, gender and type of cancer. 

Another recent study ‘The Effect of Laughter Yoga on Vasomotor Symptoms and Sleep Quality in Menopausal Women’  compared groups of menopausal women, one group received online laughing therapy and a control group who did not receive any intervention. The women in the laughing therapy group showed significantly reduced menopausal symptoms (hot flushes, racing heart, sweating, dizziness) and increased sleep quality compared to women in the control group. 

4. Can laughter therapy help and how does it work?

Laughter therapy, also known as laughter yoga, is a therapeutic practice that combines intentional laughter exercises with deep breathing techniques. The premise is that even simulated laughter has the same physiological and psychological benefits as spontaneous laughter. Participants engage in playful activities, often in groups, and the contagious nature of laughter usually turns fake laughter into genuine mirth. And while it seems silly or strange to start with: I think we can all remember a time when we laughed deeply just because someone else was laughing. So you can even take classes to help with this practice. Over time, regular laughter therapy can help reduce stress, alleviate pain, and improve mood, even in people struggling with chronic illness or depression. It encourages mindfulness and helps people embrace joy more easily in everyday life.

In my Psychology Clinic, I regularly see the benefits of laughing. When people laugh they free themselves from the things they are holding onto even if just for a few minutes. I have seen couples who choose to laugh about something deepen their connection. When individuals can let go of worry and anxiety for a few moments to laugh, they boost their self esteem. A recent patient has just rearranged her week so that she sees her friends mid-week rather than saving all her fun for the weekend. Sharing a laugh with her friends after work even when she is tired means that she has more resilience for her high pressure job. 

5. What top tips can you give for how to bring more laughter into your life?

1. Start by seeking out humour intentionally—watch funny shows, listen to comedy podcasts, or read witty books. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh, or join a laughter club to meet others who value humour. 

2. Being around children can reignite your sense of playfulness, as their unfiltered joy, curiosity, and silly antics often inspire spontaneous laughter and remind us not to take life too seriously. Even if you don’t have children in your family there are plenty of children's play groups in the community looking for volunteers. Girl Guide, Brownie  and Sunday school groups are  all good places to look,  or volunteer to help read at your local primary school..

3. Practise not taking yourself too seriously—find the humour in daily mishaps and let go of perfectionism. Incorporate playful activities into your routine, such as games or time with pets, as these naturally encourage laughter. Don’t be afraid to make jokes and laugh at them even if no one else does. If you are worried about what others may think, just  say ‘oh - I make myself laugh’ and move on with the conversation. 

4. Take a moment every day to remember what made you laugh that day. You can do it at dinner or bedtime as a ‘gratitude practice’. Or do it with a friend or family member even if that is once a week via text. 

5. Fake laugh. It might sound silly if we do a fake laugh, it can often trigger a real laugh and our bodies reap all the benefits even if we set ourselves off! 

6. Lastly, be brave and try laughter yoga or make a habit of smiling more—it primes the brain to feel lighter, and laughter often follows naturally.