Laughter: The Medicine You Didn’t Know You Needed

There’s a phrase we’ve all heard: "Laughter is the best medicine." It sounds nice, but I never truly felt the depth of that sentiment until a recent week that left me feeling completely drained, emotionally overwhelmed, and lost in the whirlwind of trying to figure out what was next in my life. Despite my best efforts—running, swimming, yoga, meditating—nothing seemed to lift the weight off my shoulders.

It was a week where I thought I had exhausted all the options for stress relief and grounding techniques, but nothing was working. My mind was spinning with uncertainties, and no matter how much time I spent sweating it out through exercise or calming myself down in meditation, I still felt that gnawing sense of anxiety and tension. I was doing all the things I thought I should be doing to cope, but it wasn’t until a spontaneous night of laughter that everything clicked—and I realized how much lighter I felt afterward.

It wasn't just any laughter. It was the kind of gut-busting, can’t-breathe, side-hurting laughter that takes over your entire body. You know the kind—it starts with a silly comment, then one thing leads to another, and before you know it, you're laughing so hard, you’re nearly in tears. It’s one of those moments where the world falls away, and all that matters is the pure joy of the present moment.

That night, something shifted. The heaviness that had been clouding my mind, heart, and body started to lift. I found myself smiling—not just because of the fun, but because I had finally remembered something crucial: that laughter was the one thing I had been missing all along.

Laughter, as it turns out, is more than just a social tool or a way to pass the time. It's actually a powerful stress reliever and a remedy for mental and emotional tension. Scientifically speaking, laughter triggers the release of endorphins—the body’s natural feel-good chemicals—which help elevate your mood and promote relaxation. It can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), reduce physical pain, and boost your immune system. What’s more, laughter fosters a sense of connection, turning a moment of shared joy into a powerful bonding experience with others.

So, why had I neglected laughter in favor of all the other "serious" stress management techniques? The answer is simple: I was so focused on finding the perfect solution to my stress that I forgot to embrace the healing power of joy. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the urgency of life’s challenges, believing that the only way to truly address them is through discipline, exercise, or meditation. But sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is to take a step back and let go. And that’s exactly what laughter allowed me to do.

The Challenge:

Here’s where I challenge you: Next time you're feeling overwhelmed, or you've tried everything else and you're still stuck in that heavy mental space, allow yourself to seek out laughter. And I mean real laughter—something that fills you up and makes your cheeks hurt from smiling. Watch a funny show, catch up with a friend who always cracks you up, or even try something a little unconventional like watching funny YouTube videos or taking an improv class. It doesn't have to be a long process, but it does need to be intentional.

Ignite Your Spark with Laughter as Medicine:

1. Laugh Daily: Make laughter a regular part of your day. Set a reminder to watch a funny video, listen to a comedic podcast, or share a joke with a friend. Make it a small, non-negotiable part of your routine.

2. Laugh with Intention: If you're feeling stressed, try laughter yoga (yes, it's a thing!) or simply find moments during your day where you intentionally embrace humor. Whether it’s a funny meme or a sitcom, laughter can shift your perspective and help release tension.

3. Embrace the Silly: Sometimes, we forget that being silly is a great way to lighten the mood. Get playful with your friends, dance like nobody’s watching, or make a joke at your own expense. It’s about releasing control and allowing joy to take over.

4. Group Laughter: There’s power in shared laughter. Spend time with people who make you laugh or find a group activity that involves humor. This could be playing a fun game, going to a comedy show, or even just hanging out with someone who brings out your goofy side.

5. Laughter as a Reset Button: When you're deep in a mental fog and you can't figure out what's next, laughter can be your reset button. It allows you to stop focusing so hard on the stress and gives your brain a break. Use it as a way to clear the clutter in your mind.

So, here's the takeaway: sometimes, you can do all the things you're supposed to do—run, swim, meditate—but the key to real relief and healing might just be a deep belly laugh with a friend. Life is serious, but we all need a little bit of lightness to keep us going. Laughter isn’t just fun; it’s healing, grounding, and a great reminder to not take life so seriously.

Challenge yourself: What’s one thing you can do this week to bring more laughter into your life? If you’re not sure, just start with one silly moment. Your mind and body will thank you.

And remember, laughter really is medicine—sometimes, it’s just the prescription you didn’t know you needed.