3 Reasons Laughter Is the Best Medicine for Increasing Happiness

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1. Laughter Creates Connection and Emotional Relief

We’ve all heard the saying: “Laughter is the best medicine.” It turns out, there’s truth to it — especially when it comes to emotional healing and happiness.

Humor helps break down emotional barriers and brings people closer. Whether it’s through a joke, a funny video, or a silly face, laughter allows us to connect. This bond is particularly important for children recovering from trauma or sadness. When they laugh — even briefly — it restores a sense of normalcy, connection, and lightness.

“A good laugh is sunshine in the house.” — William Makepeace Thackeray

2. Laughter Triggers the Release of “Feel-Good” Chemicals

When we laugh, our brain releases endorphins — also known as the “happy hormones.” These neurotransmitters create a feeling of well-being, reduce stress, and can even temporarily relieve pain.

This reaction is so powerful that some hospitals now have “humor rooms,” with clowns and comedians who help lift patients’ spirits. That’s how effective laughter is — not just emotionally, but physiologically. A few seconds of laughter can:

  • Lower cortisol (stress hormone)

  • Improve circulation

  • Promote relaxation and reduce anxiety

  • Boost immune system response

So if you want to help a child heal, make them laugh. Even a gentle giggle can ignite emotional recovery.

3. Laughter Builds Belonging and Psychological Strength

Laughter strengthens social bonds. It’s often referred to as the “glue of humanity” because it brings people together in a shared moment of joy. In schools, playgrounds, families, or therapy groups, children who laugh together feel safer, closer, and more accepted.

This sense of belonging plays a major role in:

  • Building self-esteem

  • Developing empathy

  • Enhancing communication

  • Forming positive peer relationships

Laughter encourages children to let their guard down and be themselves. It helps them process pain, deal with fear, and see hope beyond their current struggles.

Final Thoughts: Laugh More, Love More

In a world where stress, trauma, and sadness often dominate headlines and homes, laughter is a gift you can give freely — and it costs nothing. Children don’t always need toys or gadgets. Sometimes, they just need someone to sit with them, smile, and be silly.

“The child who laughs is the child who heals.”

Let laughter be your way of saying: “I see you, I care, and I want to help you feel joy again.”

85 Comments

  1. I love this piece, because there are some miserable people who just do not know how to laugh. There is one lady who works at my University who never smiles. Laughter is the quickest way to change your day for the better.

  2. This is very true. Glad you wrote this. People can’t be happy all of the time, but its so much better to try and be happy and laugh. Being upset takes way too much energy and it isn’t good for ya.

  4. There is nothing like a genuine GREAT laugh!! Something that makes you laugh again, just thinking about it! It is truly medicine for the soul.

  5. Sometimes you could have the worst day, but one person saying something that makes you smile or laugh can change your whole outlook, it is incredible. Thanks for sharing these !

  7. This is so true. There are many ways to cheer up yourself or a loved one using humor. My sons like to take their dose of humor in the form of a several hour long marathon of Community or Third Rock from the Sun episodes on netflix.

  8. Nothing like a good belly laugh, is there? I so agree with all the reasons you’ve listed out!
    Have you heard of Laughter Clubs? They were started in India. I’m not sure I agree with the way they work though! 😉

  9. So many times I’ve seen a child with a boo boo get distracted–or maybe actually doctored–by a little joke from a parent that makes them laugh. Good post!

  10. You are right, it is a cliché, but so true- I always feel better when I’ve had a laugh and I should really follow my kids’ example and laugh a lot more 🙂

  11. I LOVE this, and its so true! I constantly see examples of people who are miserable suffering one health problem after another and you can tell on their face how they just need a good laugh! I also see people who despite incredibly hardships in life, laugh a lot and don’t let the tough stuff get to them. Laughter certainly is the best medicine and it’s contagious!

  12. I believe that laughter is the best medicine and you live longer and have a better laugh when you have joy and peace in your heart! I encourage my children every day not to let things get them down and to start and end each day with a smile.

  13. This is a great reminder. It seems like children know this instinctively, but we tend to forget it as we age. The pictures are great too!

  14. I love to laugh and I find a lot of things funny. I notice when I’m out and I think of funny stuff I smile. It affects people in different ways when they see it. It either makes them smile also or it makes them look at me strangely, which makes me laugh almost as much. Frankly, I figure I’m in my own little world and I’m good with it as long as I’m happy. 🙂

  18. If you can laugh, a deep ‘belly-bottom’ laugh then you are truly blessed. Watching a great comedy or reading a good joke or being around funny people is always a mood enhancer. Thanks for the reminder Patrice.

  20. Laughter is such an amazing way to lower my stress. When I’m feeling blue, I just pop in a comedy or watch the little kiddies faces at the mall. Brings a smile every time.

  21. What an inspiring post. I knew when reading this that you had a medical background. Laughter is essential to life, health and of course happiness. The fact that you did not glibly say “everyone” when referring to laughter, show me that you are a very caring person. This post is in the “top 5” that I have read.

    Happy commenting.

  27. I love this post. I actually found myself smiling while reading it! And I kept thinking about my 7 year old who was pitching an awful fit tonight and how she needs more laughter in her life.

  28. I agree, that laughter is the best medicine. My cousin and I share the same sense of humor, and when we get together it doesn’t take long until we are squealing with laughter, losing our breath, and crying happy tears.

  30. I love #3, increases sense of intimacy and bonding. No matter how awkward the situation, if someone can break the ice with jokes, I notice that things go more smoothly 🙂

  35. I have to agree with this sentiment. When I was in the behavioral center, I found out exactly how this is true. We had a night that we all got together and played games and listened to music. I laughed that night like I had not in a long time. I woke up the next day feeling so much better. I even believe that this is one reason I was able to come home so quickly.

  38. Laughter is so important! Life is not meant to be so serious! My best way of dealing with things is to laugh about it and find a funny positive out of the situation. There are times to be serious. BUT! Laughter makes life so much more enjoyable.

    I get to hear my 3 month old laugh every morning. Throughout the day, my toddler runs through the house with bursts of laughter… It reminds me not to be so uptight. Let loose, have fun!

    Thanks for sharing!

    Miss–

  43. I love this article. I never really thought that laughter increases intimacy between and among people.. Makes me think of the moments I laughed with my friends in the Philippines.

  47. The absolute BEST medicine ever!!! i totally agree!! Thanks for this post and I am excited that you are an RN like my dear mother!! How awesome is that!!

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