Laughter is one of the few things that can transcend all boundaries—age, culture, and circumstances. It’s a universal language that everyone understands and can’t help but catch on to.
When you laugh, your body undergoes some pretty remarkable changes. A hearty, good laugh sends a wave of relaxation through your entire body, reducing tension and stress for as much as 45 minutes later. It boosts your immune system by reducing stress hormones and increasing infection-fighting cells and antibodies, keeping you healthier in the face of illness. Laughing releases endorphins—those natural mood-boosting chemicals—into your system and can even decrease pain for at least a short while. Your heart stands to gain as well: laughter enhances the function of your blood vessels, reduces blood pressure, and boosts blood flow, all of which serve to keep your cardiovascular system in good shape. And if burning calories is on your mind, laughing for 10 to 15 minutes will incinerate up to 40 calories—that may not seem like a lot, but it adds up in the long run.
But the magic of laughter isn’t only physical. It’s an excellent way to ward off anxiety, stress, and tension. Laughing picks you up and increases your emotional strength, keeping you optimistic even when life gives you curveballs. It alters your perspective on challenging situations, making them seem less daunting and allowing you to replenish so you can continue to focus and get things done. The positive emotions from laughter don’t evaporate—they linger, making it simpler to notice the hope and sense even when everything is difficult.
Laughter is also a bonding agent. We most often don’t laugh at jokes, but because we’re spending time with others we care about. Laughing together makes strong connections and insulates us from tension, arguments, and disillusionment. It’s not surprising that laughter is one of the greatest tools for maintaining relationships fresh and healthy. Playfulness and humor unlock the key to emotional bonding, allowing you to be yourself, let your guard down, and be honest about how you feel. And when arguments arise, laughter can defuse the tension and allow everyone to move forward with no hard feelings.
Adding more laughter to your life does not involve revising everything—just being willing to look for the humor and open up some space for fun. Begin by smiling at yourself, even at strangers or acquaintances. Smiling leads to laughter, and it is infectious as well. Hang around with people who laugh with ease and find the humor in everyday things. Watch a comedy, read some funny comics, or invite friends to a game night or comedy show. And if you’re struggling to find something funny, try fake laughter—things like laughter yoga have shown that even pretending to laugh can bring real benefits.
Maybe the most important thing is to stop taking yourself so seriously. Everyone messes up or does silly things sometimes. Rather than getting defensive or embarrassed, attempt to laugh at yourself. Find humor in difficult situations and don’t let yourself be bogged down in the bad stuff. Life isn’t black and white, and you can typically decide whether or not to laugh, so opt for laughter whenever possible. Let your inner child shine through, have some fun, and don’t worry about being a little ridiculous. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes, and before you know it, finding delight and connection in daily life feels effortless.
Laughter, play, and humor aren’t a pleasant add-on—they’re a vital component of a healthy, happy, and resilient life. By introducing more laughter into your days, you’ll feel healthier and happier, foster more relationship-rich connections, and tap new wellsprings of creativity and purpose.