Laughter has long been called the “best medicine,” because who doesn’t feel a little better after a good belly laugh? But in recent years, researchers have started studying laughter and finding that it really does have some seriously healthy effects.
“Finding micro moments of happiness and humor can help reset your nervous system,” says Jessica Jensen, MSW, a behavioral health specialist at Henry Ford Health. “It’s not a cure-all, but it can help you shift from a state of tension to a calmer state.”
What Is Laughter?
Laughter is a physical reaction that typically comes with an audible sound—anything from a quiet giggle to a loud guffaw. There are two main types of laughter:
- Spontaneous laughter is one you can’t control. It’s the kind that happens involuntarily when you hear a funny joke, watch a comedy show or see you child or pet do something silly.
- Simulated, or self-induced, laughter is less genuine. It could be a fake laugh or a forced one. Practices like laughter yoga rely on this type of simulated laughter, combined with breathing exercises.
“The idea is that your body responds to the act of laughing,” says Jensen. “It’s a release and an opportunity to mentally and physically shift gears.”
What the Science Says About Laughter
Behavioral Health Services
There’s a surprising amount going on in your brain and throughout your body every time you laugh. Turns out that this simple act can impact your health in numerous ways.
“When you laugh, it stimulates the brain to release dopamine, a hormone that helps boost mood and motivation,” explains Jensen. “That also taps into the brain’s reward system to help reduce pain.”
Laughing also increases your intake of oxygen, which helps enhance circulation. The shift in the nervous system initiated by laughter can also help your heart by lowering your blood pressure and slowing your heart rate.
A 2023 review of eight studies looked at the effects of spontaneous laughter on cortisol (stress hormone) levels. Laughing was shown to produce a nearly 32% reduction in cortisol levels. Other studies have also found improvements in stress levels, pain and overall well-being—including in patients coping with cancer treatment, dialysis or other chronic illnesses.
Harnessing the Healing Benefits of Laughter
If you want to laugh more, you need to consciously make room in your daily life for things you find humorous. “Create opportunities,” says Jensen. “Try to look for joy and happiness and laughter whenever and wherever you can.”
Jensen also acknowledges that when you’re going through trying times, it can be difficult to find those moments of levity. “It’s important to acknowledge that even when you’re sad or grieving, it’s okay to allow yourself to also feel happiness and let yourself laugh,” she says.
Laughing isn’t only good for your emotional health when going through difficult times, it also helps you feel more connected. “Laughing with others helps create a strong bond and sense of belonging,” says Jensen.
Take a Prescription for More Laughter
Make it a goal to try laughing daily. “Aim for three to five good chuckles every day, if possible,” suggests Jensen. “It doesn’t have to be a loud laugh—even finding something quietly funny is good.”
Set yourself up for laugh success by seeking out things you might find funny or spending time with people who make you laugh. “It might mean going outside your comfort zone a bit,” says Jensen. “Trying something like a laughter yoga class or going to a comedy show.”
Daily laughter is a healthy outlet for everyone, no matter your current situation. “It makes you feel better, even if just for a moment,” says Jensen. “And we’re all worthy of having love and laughter in our lives.”
Reviewed by Jessica Jensen, MSW, a behavioral health specialist who sees patients at Henry Ford Behavioral Health in Detroit and Henry Ford Partial Hospitalization Program-Detroit.
