Wisdom can sometimes be found in unlikely places. That’s true of these lyrics from a 1977 hit song by Jimmy Buffett: “If we couldn’t laugh, we would all go insane.”
I doubt the late, great pop music icon was offering serious commentary on mental health or knew that his claim had scientific backing. But his small phrase contains a big insight.
The payoff of laughter is no joke—as evidence is piling up that consistent laughter truly is good for your mental, physical, and emotional health.
From reducing stress to boosting immune function, improving cardiovascular health, and enhancing social connection, the benefits of laughter to whole-person well-being are undeniable. Incorporating laughter into our daily lives, whether through social interactions, humorous activities, or finding joy in the absurdities of life, can have profound and lasting effects on our overall health and happiness.
As a person of faith who grew up in a Scripture-reading family, I respect the guidance offered by biblical wisdom, including this Old Testament proverb: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength” (Proverbs 17:22). Millenia ago, the writers of Scripture recognized the rewards and restorative value of laughter and joy.
Now fast forward many centuries to 1979, when Norman Cousins published his landmark book “Anatomy of an Illness,” one of the first books to explore the healing properties of laughter. Cousins was well known to most Americans as the longtime editor of a popular magazine of the time, Saturday Review. He was also the author of 15 acclaimed books and an esteemed nationwide speaker.
In his “Illness” book, Cousins chronicled the astounding effects of laughter on his battle with ankylosing spondylitis, a crippling connective tissue disease. In a desperate attempt to relieve the severe inflammation of his spine and joints, he employed laughter as a centerpiece of his healing regime. He listened to comedy albums and watched films that caused him to laugh uproariously. He discovered that 10 minutes of hearty laughter would reward him with two hours of pain-free sleep.
Cousins’s finding that laughter could change the course of his illness generated tremendous interest in medical circles. In subsequent years, the empirical proof of his claims has been documented repeatedly. Researchers have established that people who enjoy humor are most capable of coping with a wide spectrum of ailments.
As a mental health professional for 40 years, I wholeheartedly agree with Cousins’s approach. I have counseled thousands of people struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, and many other afflictions. In addition to guiding our clients through focused and often challenging therapeutic practices, my team and I continually strive to create an environment of laughter and levity. That’s because we know that, as the proverb tells us, a cheerful heart is indeed good medicine and fosters healing.
The Lasting Benefits of Laughter
In today’s digital age, genuine human connection is essential. (Biba Kayewich)
As the universal language of joy, laughter has long been celebrated as a potent elixir for the soul. But beyond its ability to lighten your mood and enliven your relationships, laughter holds a profound influence on both our physical and mental health. Here are some of the ways that laughter is a positive force in our lives:
Stress reduction. Laughter serves as a natural stress reliever, triggering the release of endorphins, the body’s feel-good hormones. These neurochemicals not only elevate mood but also help to alleviate feelings of worry and tension. Research suggests that even the anticipation of laughter can reduce the body’s stress response, leading to a more relaxed state of mind.
Immune system boost.Studies have shown that laughter can enhance immune function by increasing the production of protective cells and antibodies. This can lead to a strengthened defense against pathogens, reducing the risk of illness and promoting overall health.
Cardiovascular health. While not a substitute for regular sweat-inducing exercise, many studies have demonstrated that consistent laughter contributes to a healthy heart. When we laugh, our blood vessels dilate, improving blood flow and oxygenation throughout the body. This can result in lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease, and improved vascular health.
Pain relief. Laughter acts as a natural painkiller, offering relief from both chronic and acute discomfort. When we laugh, our bodies release endorphins, which not only elevate mood but also dampen pain signals in the brain. What’s more, laughter stimulates the production of natural pain-relieving chemicals, providing a welcome distraction from physical discomfort.
Muscle relaxation. Have you ever experienced the pleasant sensation of feeling loose and relaxed after a hearty laugh? Laughter induces muscle relaxation, helping to alleviate tension and stiffness. This can have profound implications for individuals with conditions such as fibromyalgia or chronic muscle pain, offering a natural and enjoyable way to ease discomfort.
Social connection. Laughter is a powerful social lubricant, fostering bonds between individuals and strengthening relationships. Shared laughter creates a sense of camaraderie and connectedness while reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. In today’s digital age, when face-to-face interactions are often replaced by virtual contact, the importance of laughter in fostering genuine human connection is essential.
Cognitive benefits. Laughter has been shown to boost memory, productivity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. By stimulating the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, laughter can improve focus and mental clarity, leading to enhanced cognitive performance in many ways.
A step out of depression and anxiety. In my books “Healing Depression for Life” and “The Anxiety Reset,” I included descriptions of how laughter is a vital component of healing for both of these conditions. The physiological and psychological benefits of laughter bring relief to those stuck in a dark or distressing place. In times of despair, a good laugh can provide a much-needed respite, offering a glimpse of light in the darkness. Laughter alone may not be a cure for clinical depression and anxiety disorders, but it surely contributes powerfully to healing.
Practical Ways to Bring Laughter Into Your Life
In a world often dominated by stress, deadlines, and alarming news, finding reasons to laugh can sometimes feel like a luxury we can’t afford. Yet as we’ve seen, laughter’s benefits for our overall health are so profound that it should be a nonnegotiable part of our daily life. So how can we invite more laughter into our lives, especially during times when it seems most elusive? Start here:
Find humor in everyday situations. Life is full of ironies and incongruities. Try to observe your surroundings from a playful perspective, finding humor in mundane situations. This shift in viewpoint can turn a frustrating situation into a lighthearted one.
Don’t take life too seriously. Allow yourself to be silly and embrace imperfections, both in yourself and others. Mistakes and mishaps are part of the human experience—and laughing at them can make life more bearable and enjoyable.
Spend time with joyful people. Socialize with friends and family members who have a good sense of humor. Their laughter is contagious, and you'll find yourself chuckling along in no time.
Regularly watch or listen to something funny. Follow the example set by Norman Cousins, and dedicate some time each day to enjoy a funny movie, TV show, or stand-up comedy special. Listen to a humorous podcast or audiobook during your commute or while doing chores.
Play with children or pets. Children and animals are experts at spontaneous joy. Engage in playful activities with them, and you'll find their zest for life will increase your own.
Host game nights. Interactive board games, charades, or card games that encourage playful competition can be a fantastic source of laughter and joy among friends and family.
Try new experiences. Step out of your comfort zone and try activities such as karaoke, improv classes, or a laughter yoga class. New experiences can lead to unexpected moments of levity and lightheartedness.
Keep a “joy journal.” Each day, write down three things that made you laugh or smile. This practice not only fosters gratitude but also trains your brain to seek out and recognize moments of joy.
Get a “laughter prescription” from your physician or write one for yourself. Researchers have started to urge physicians to write prescriptions for their patients to engage in laughter on a regular basis. The idea is for patients to be intentional about finding opportunities to laugh for therapeutic reasons. Plus laughter costs nothing and has no harmful side effects.
Since I quoted a proverb earlier, I close with one more: “For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15).
I’m sure that you’re like me—we want life to be a continual feast. And laughter will help us to get there.
Gregory Jantz, Ph.D., is the founder and director of the mental health clinic The Center: A Place of Hope in Edmonds, Wash. He is the author of "Healing Depression for Life," "The Anxiety Reset," and many other books. Find Jantz at APlaceOfHope.com.
