What a Good Laugh Does to Your Body
This week’s Better You, Backed by Science is about laughter and some of the amazing science showing what it does to the body.
First, have you ever noticed how you feel after a good laugh?
And not just mentally – but physically? Science now confirms that laughter might really be the best medicine.
Gym time for the soul
Laughter is like a mini workout for the inside of your body. Some researchers even call it “internal jogging” because it gives your muscles a workout, burns calories, and improves respiration.
It’s also a tonic for mental health.
Laughter boosts happiness, eases anxiety and depression, and reduces stress hormones like cortisol. It can even help us feel more optimistic—and sleep better too.
We often laugh with others. Shared laughter creates bonds. It helps us feel comfortable in a space together, deepens trust, breaks down barriers, and makes conversation flow. It can even unite groups of people who don’t know each other—or who don’t usually get along. In that sense, laughter can be a quiet peacemaker.
Supports the heart and immune system
It’s good for the heart too. In a University of Texas study, people who watched a funny film for just 30 minutes showed measurable improvement in artery function compared to those who watched a serious documentary—and the benefits lasted almost 24 hours.
The cardiovascular perks don’t stop there: laughter can lower blood pressure and improve circulation.
It also supports the immune system. Research shows that laughter boosts natural killer cell activity and other immune factors—and these effects can last for several hours.
Pain-free
Interest in laughter’s healing potential grew after the story of journalist Norman Cousins, who suffered from severe pain caused by a connective tissue disease and ankylosing spondylitis. He discovered that just ten minutes of belly laughter a day gave him around two hours of pain-free sleep.
Cousins later wrote Anatomy of an Illness, a bestseller that helped spark scientific interest in the “laughter effect.”
We now know his pain relief likely came from two mechanisms: laughter boosts endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers) and reduces inflammation.
Why we laugh at inappropriate times
We’ve all done it – laughed at the wrong moment. But why?
One theory suggests we do it to lighten painful situations—a social reflex that aims to ease tension for ourselves and others. Another view is that it helps regulate emotions, especially when we’ve felt overwhelmed. In other words, laughter may act as a built-in release valve.
So if you’ve ever giggled when you “shouldn’t” have, don’t feel embarrassed. It’s just your brain trying to help.
Takeaway
Laughter is good for the mind, the body, and even the immune system. It strengthens connections and may even add years to our lives.
They say babies laugh about 300 times a day. Maybe it’s time we adults upped our laughter stats too.
Try This
- Watch a funny clip, call a friend who always makes you laugh, or re-watch a comedy you love. Then notice how your mood—and body—feel afterwards.
- Try laughter yoga: take a deep breath, pull a big smile, and let out a hearty laugh as you exhale. Repeat a few times a day for the next week.
- Write about funny moments in your life—things that still make you smile, or that only became funny in hindsight.
- Pin up a few photos, cards, or comic strips that make you laugh, and let them brighten your days.
Want to explore more?
🎥 Watch my YouTube video where I unpack more of the science of laughter—and share a few of my favourite science jokes.😂🤦♂️
References (if you’re curious)
Laughter improves sleep quality
Why we laugh at inappropriate times
Laughter boosts endorphins & pain threshold
Laughter supports cardiovascular health
Laughter boosts natural killer cell activity
More
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