After You Read This, You Won't Want to Stop Laughing

There are only two things that make me laugh out loud — a good stand-up show and my kids. In the routine of daily life, it's very hard to get a smile out of me. It's not that I'm unhappy; I just have what you might call "happiness in my heart"... If you're like me, taking life too seriously or just feeling uncomfortable laughing in public, you should know that laughter is the simplest way to maintain health. Yes, yes, beyond the good feeling it brings, laughter can reduce stress, strengthen the immune system, and even help us cope with pain.

The Science of Laughter (or: Why It Works?)

Have you ever stopped to think about what actually happens to our body when we laugh? Laughter, often spontaneous and without any prior preparation, is not just a natural reaction to a good joke, but a powerful force that can heal wounds — both physical and emotional — and provide relief to those who truly need it. So what makes it such an important tool, and how can a few minutes of laughter change the way we perceive life?

When we laugh, endorphins, known as "happiness hormones," are released in our bodies. Endorphins not only improve mood but can also relieve pain, ease depression symptoms, reduce stress and anxiety, and they are up to 33 times more powerful than morphine!

Additionally, laughter decreases cortisol levels — the stress hormone — and strengthens our immune system. In fact, laughter is a kind of natural happiness drug/pain reliever that can significantly impact our health and lifestyle.

Studies even show that laughter improves heart function and helps in lowering blood pressure. It also encourages deeper breathing, which increases oxygen levels in the body and creates a sense of calm and general mental balance.

Beyond its physiological effects, laughter impacts the soul. It alleviates depression and anxiety symptoms, improves sleep quality, enhances social belonging, and strengthens relationships. People who laugh frequently are often in a positive and supportive environment, feel less lonely, and are able to form more meaningful social connections. For example, laughter during a conversation can break the ice, create an immediate sense of closeness, and turn everyday interactions into opportunities for real bonding. And besides — who doesn't like to be around a happy person?

Laughter in Everyday Life (or: How Can We Laugh in Such a Sad Reality?)

1. Surround Yourself with Humor

Schedule time to read funny books, listen to lighthearted podcasts, or engage with anything that can make you smile. On the Hidabroot website, there are countless compilations of humor and light articles, and Rabbi Yitzchak Fanger's lectures can help you incorporate humor into your life while studying Torah. When we watch, read, or listen to something amusing, we increase the opportunity to laugh during the day.

2. Be with People Who Laugh Often

Laughter is contagious. When we are around positive and happy people, it's easier to join in the sense of joy. Try to spend time with people who radiate happiness — it will not only make you feel better but also enrich your social connections.

3. Find Time for Games

Rabbi Nachman of Breslov said: "It's impossible to be happy except through foolishness." Not foolishness that disrespects or stems from levity, but foolishness meant to break sadness, rise above daily heaviness, and create a space of joy. Take a break to play with your children like a child or engage in fun and liberating activities. Sometimes it's okay to put seriousness aside and just enjoy the moment.

4. Learn to Laugh at Yourself

Most of the time, we are preoccupied with self-criticism and judgment. We berate ourselves for every mistake we make or every misplaced word. One of the most significant abilities we can develop is the ability to laugh at ourselves. When we accept our imperfections and allow ourselves to laugh at mistakes, we free ourselves from feelings of pressure and judgment, and we accept ourselves as we are.

5. Just Laugh

Laughter yoga is a practice based on combining breathing and deliberate laughter, which over time becomes natural laughter. This practice has been proven effective in relieving tension and increasing the feeling of joy. You don't have to attend a workshop to laugh; you just need to find a quiet place at home where you have privacy. Start with deep breaths — inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Then, smile — even if it feels fake, your brain will still react. And then just — start laughing. Imagine you've heard a funny joke or recall a moment that made you burst out laughing. Even if it feels weird at first, over time, you can feel the laughter starting to flow naturally.

Laughter in Difficult Times (or: How to Cope with Illness, Loss, or Crisis?)

Laughter is not just a way to enjoy life — it's also a crucial tool for facing challenges. In tough times, laughter can help us cope with reality and reduce feelings of stress a bit. For example, when we experience an unpleasant situation, instead of getting stressed and sinking into heavy feelings, we can choose to laugh about it. It doesn't erase the difficulty, but it changes how we experience it.

People going through difficult times in their lives — like illness, loss, or personal crisis — report that the ability to laugh and find humor even in the toughest situations helped them maintain strength, feel connected to others, and tackle the challenges in a healthier way. Try it, what do you have to lose? At worst, it will work.

Bottom Line

Laughter is not a solution to every problem, but it's a free, simple, and accessible resource that can easily enhance our lives on all levels. The more we make room for laughter and joy in daily life, the more we'll find that even in more challenging moments — it's easier to find the light.

So next time you find yourself facing a tough situation, try to look for a small moment of humor in it. It's not always easy, but sometimes a small smile is exactly what it takes to make your day better. Believe it or not, this powerful healing force is right under your nose, literally, so you might as well start using it to your advantage.