June 17, 2020

It’s OK to Laugh Right Now

A healthy sense of humor can help you cope during tough times

man laughing at text on smartphone

These past few months have tested us. They might have even brought some of us to tears. With all of the heaviness, it might seem like there’s no place for laughter and jokes. We’re here to tell you that now is actually an ideal time to tickle your funny bone.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Seriously, laughter is the best medicine

We’ve heard that saying soooo many times. But those belly laughs and knee slaps can help improve our lives in a number of ways.

“Humor is considered to be a very sophisticated psychological defense against tension and threat, and so, I think doses of humor are good for us,” says psychologist Scott Bea, PsyD.

In addition to easing tension, laughing has been shown to improve sleep quality, lower blood pressure and improve our well-being overall.

“Humor is a way to activate good brain chemistry, and actually protect ourselves with better immune function – it is really good medicine,” Dr. Bea adds.

Three mental health professionals walk into a bar…

Admit it. That would be a great opening for a joke. We’ll have to workshop that one.

Anyway, here are a few more good reasons for why it’s OK to laugh during stressful times from three mental health professionals.

Laughter is important, powerful and necessary in our lives

“The healthy version of humor is being able to laugh at ourselves and our situation. It lightens our burdens, gives a better perspective,” says behavioral health therapist Jane Ehrman, MEd.

Ehrman adds that a good laugh can help bring more oxygen to the body and brain as well as put you at ease.

Advertisement

“It can be an aerobic activity when you laugh really hard and long, and it’s a good stress reliever. It’s difficult to be uptight after a good laugh. Laughter and humor bring joy and fun to our lives. Gosh, we need it now more than ever!”

For more fulfillment, Ehrman suggests sticking with healthy sources of humor.

“Unhealthy humor is sarcasm, put-downs, gallows humor and laughing at the expense of others. This type of humor is not life-giving; it can damage relationships and create negative, heavy energy.”

Laughter means less worry and better health

As mentioned earlier, humor can affect our immunity in positive ways. Psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD explains how.

“Laughter helps to boost the immune system, which makes you more resistant to disease. Also, it decreases stress hormones, which are taxing on your immune system. On the other hand, laughter increases the antibody-producing cells and T cells in our bodies. These cells are like a defense army against illness.”

When we have pent up emotions, we might reach for that can of whipped cream or our favorite cheesy snack. Dr. Albers says that embracing humor is much better because it feeds the brain.

“One of the best reasons to laugh right now is that it helps prevent emotional eating. When we laugh, it triggers the release of feel-good neurotransmitters. Even a subtle smile can trick your brain into thinking you are happy — thus reducing the need to munch to soothe your nerves or anxiety.”

Laughter can help relax your mind and your muscles

“I actually like to laugh when I am feeling stressed because I know how it benefits the body both physically and emotionally,” says clinical health psychologist Amy Sullivan, PsyD, ABPP.

Advertisement

“From an emotional perspective, laughing relieves tension, stress and depression. From a tension perspective, when you laugh, your muscles remain relaxed for several minutes afterward. This is very similar to the physiology behind progressive muscle relaxation,” says Dr. Sullivan.

Dr. Sullivan adds that laughter can stimulate the heart, increase endorphins, improve our ability to fight infection and help reduce pain.

“There really is some truth and science behind the phrase, “Laughter is the best medicine,” says Dr. Sullivan.

Ways to Add More Laughter to Your Life

Are you looking to fold more giggles into your daily routine? Here are a few ideas:

  • Find a podcast or two that makes you laugh.
  • Get together with a few friends and cackle about old times.
  • Browse the comedies on your favorite streaming platform and watch one when you’re feeling stressed or sad.
  • Look at old pictures. Your retro looks might bring on some major laughs.
  • Play a funny party game.
  • Just think of something totally goofy that happened during your day and laugh about it.
  • Make up a silly song.
  • Have a dance party and bust out those crazy moves.
  • Share funny memes with friends throughout the day.
  • Play with your pets. They always manage to make us laugh.

Whatever you do, don’t overthink it. Sometimes, the simplest things can keep you giggling all day long.

Related Articles

person pulling open blue curtains to sunshine
March 4, 2024
Not Feeling Like Yourself Lately? How To Get Out of a Funk

Connecting with others, going for a walk or focusing on sleep quality can help more than you might realize

Blood pressure cuff on arm and blood pressure-reading device
February 27, 2024
Here’s What Your Blood Pressure Numbers Mean

An ideal blood pressure is less than 120 mm Hg systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic

person sitting in a growing flower, as they're watering the pot from above
February 9, 2024
Self-Love: Why It’s Important and What You Can Do To Love Yourself

Like being your own best friend in times of trouble, self-love is an act of self-preservation

person standing on exclamation point holding up a No. 1 finger, wearing cape and mask in front of crowd
February 1, 2024
How To Make the Most of Your ‘Villain Era’

It’s not about embracing your dark side — it’s about showing up for yourself

Silhouette of person turned away from group of people talking
January 23, 2024
How the Grey Rock Method Can Protect You From Abusive People and Toxic Interactions

Like a boring ol’ grey rock, the goal is to be unresponsive and uninteresting to dissuade a harmful situation

person looking at reflection in hand-held mirror
January 22, 2024
9 Signs You’re Dealing With a ‘Narcissist’ (and Why That’s the Wrong Word to Use)

Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition, not an insult

person sitting on bed stretching
January 22, 2024
How To Become a Morning Person

Break up with your snooze button by shifting your bedtime and establishing a consistent nighttime routine

Female sitting on couch staring blankly ahead, with male next to her on couch staring at her
January 19, 2024
The Silent Treatment: Causes and Coping

Whether this behavior is abusive depends on the person doing it and their motivation

Trending Topics

White bowls full of pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate and various kinds of nuts
25 Magnesium-Rich Foods You Should Be Eating

A healthy diet can easily meet your body’s important demands for magnesium

Woman feeling for heart rate in neck on run outside, smartwatch and earbuds
Heart Rate Zones Explained

A super high heart rate means you’re burning more than fat

Spoonful of farro salad with tomato
What To Eat If You’ve Been Diagnosed With Prediabetes

Type 2 diabetes isn’t inevitable with these dietary changes

Ad