The Power of Laughter: Why We Need It More Than Ever.
In this session we will look at the role that laughter has in wellbeing. It connects us, heals us, and reminds us that we're human. Laughter is a powerful tool that has shaped societies and lifted spirits for centuries. From ancient jesters to modern-day comedians, the art of making people laugh holds a unique place in human culture.
Laughter is good for your body and your brain. When you laugh, your body gets a mini workout. Laughter triggers the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain that promote a sense of well-being and does so by boosting endorphins. It lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol, relaxing your muscles and mind and this can relieve any stresses that we may have. A good laugh increases blood flow and improves the function of blood vessels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems and so laughter can have a beneficial effect to our heart. Laughing increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies.
Socially, laughter strengthens bonds. It can break down walls and ease tension. Laughter may be one of the healthiest things you can do each day. Laughter is a universal language. It transcends borders, generations, and beliefs. In a world filled with pressure, polarization, and unpredictability, laughter offers relief—not by ignoring reality, but by reframing it. Laughter isn’t about always being cheerful it’s about being open. Open to joy, silliness, surprise, and even vulnerability. When you choose laughter, you’re not denying the hard parts of life; you’re reclaiming your right to feel light, even for a moment.
Humor is a mental and emotional response to something perceived as amusing, clever, or absurd. It often involves the recognition of incongruity—a mismatch between expectation and reality—that leads to a pleasurable reaction such as laughter or delight. While laughter is a physical response, humor is the cognitive and social experience that prompts it. Psychologist Rod Martin describes humor as a complex psychological phenomenon involving feeling, emotion, and social context. Humor can be spontaneous or deliberate, shared or internal, and it plays a key role in human communication, creativity, and emotional resilience.
Humor is as old as humanity itself, and researchers suggest it evolved to support cooperation, reduce social tension, and strengthen group bonds. In ancestral communities, being able to laugh together signalled safety and trust, helping groups form alliances and navigate complex social environments. This helps explain why laughter is contagious and why it often occurs during social interactions, even more than in response to jokes. Humour also functions as a tool for emotional regulation, helping people cope with fear, sadness, or stress by offering a new lens through which to view adversity.
Humour comes in many forms—slapstick, satire, irony, wordplay, parody, and even dark or gallows humor. Each style resonates differently based on personality, culture, and life experience. Some humour entertains, while other kinds challenge power structures or confront taboo topics. Understanding this diversity can help to explain why humor is not just about being funny it’s about expressing perspective, building connection, and creating space for both joy and reflection.
Humor is as old as humanity itself. In Ancient Egypt and Greece in their theatres they had comedic plays. In Greece, Aristophanes wrote political satire that poked fun at society. Medieval Europe had court jesters. These were professional fools who used humour to speak truth to power. Shakespeare wrote A Midsummer Night's Dream and Twelfth Night that were comedies with social commentary. During the early 20th century Charlie Chaplin used silent comedy as a form of expression.
Comedians make us think. Through satire, observational humour, or pure absurdity, comedians often reflect the truth of society in a way that’s easier to digest. In fact, many use humour to address serious topics: politics, inequality, identity, and mental health. Richard Pryor tackled race and addiction; George Carlin, challenged institutions and language; Hannah Gadsby, turned comedy into a raw, powerful story of trauma and identity. These performers do more than entertain—they create safe spaces for difficult conversations.
In dark times, comedians have stepped up as cultural beacons. From wartime slapstick to pandemic-era stand-up via Zoom. Laughter has always been a way to cope and survive.
Wellbeing Tips for Increasing Your Opportunity to Laugh
Humor is like a muscle—the more you flex it, the stronger it gets.
Laughter is contagious. Spend time with friends who make you laugh or seek out social environments where humour is welcome. The more you hear and see others laugh, the easier it becomes to join in. Watch stand-up specials, sitcoms, or funny movies. Listen to comedy podcasts on your commute or when doing chores.
Don’t take yourself too seriously. Embracing your quirks, mistakes, or awkward moments with humour instead of embarrassment builds emotional resilience and it invites others to laugh with you, not at you. Play more adults often forget how to play, but play is the birthplace of laughter. When you're playful, laughter flows naturally.
Learn a new joke or funny story as often as you can. Share it with someone. Keep the humour going. Cut back on negativity. Constantly absorbing heavy or toxic content (on social media or news) can dull your emotional range. Having a wide emotional range means having the ability to feel and express a full spectrum of emotions from joy to sadness, fear to excitement. It is essential to your mental health, relationships, and overall human experience. Create boundaries around how much negativity you consume and actively seek content that brings you joy, wonder, or humour.
If you don’t laugh often enough, practice laughing. It may feel silly at first but laughing even if forced at first triggers physical and emotional responses. You will be surprised how quickly it can become and feel genuine. Be curious about humour in other cultures by exploring international comedians, films, or traditions around humour. This can broaden your perspective and appreciation for different types of funny.
Next time you feel overwhelmed, seek out a moment of joy. Watch a funny movie, attend a local comedy show, or just share a ridiculous meme with a friend. It's not flim flam—it's essential.
Sources:
Gervais, M., & Wilson, D. S. (2005). The evolution and functions of laughter and humor: A synthetic approach. The Quarterly Review of Biology, 80(4), 395–430. https://doi.org/10.1086/498281
Martin, R. A. (2007). The psychology of humor: An integrative approach. Elsevier Academic Press.
Provine, R. R. (2000). Laughter: A scientific investigation. Viking.