The Role of Humour in Mental Health: How Laughter Heals

Humour is something that has always been a part of my life, in fact, it’s part of everyone’s day-to-day lives, doesn’t matter how minor it is. It could be cracking over silly jokes with your friends or watching our favourite comedy shows. Many people underestimate the profound impact humour can have on mental health. In fact, even during therapy sessions, counselors often incorporate lighthearted moments, knowing that a touch of humour can foster positivity and emotional resilience in unexpected ways. Humour is not just about making others laugh, it is a lifeline when life starts feeling heavy.

Today in this blog post, I am going to share my experience with humour. For as long as I can remember, laughter has been my go-to stress relief. I am the person who will turn to a funny movie or show or seek out friends who always know how to make me laugh. But the thing we realise gradually is that humour does much more than just brighten the day, it heals.

One of the things I have found fascinating is the way laughter works in our brains. When I laugh, I feel lighter almost immediately. I noticed that when I am feeling anxious or overwhelmed, even a brief moment of laughter seems to melt some of that tension. It has been found that laughter triggers the release of dopamine, serotonin and even endorphins, which are “feel-good” chemicals in our brains. These chemicals not only lift our mood but also help reduce stress and anxiety. Dopamine enhances motivation and pleasure, serotonin stabilizes mood, and endorphins act as natural painkillers, creating an overall sense of well-being.

What’s even more interesting is how laughter has the power to connect people. Some of the friendships that I have built over the past years were built on shared moments of humour and even in serious situations, a little bit of laughter here and there makes things feel more manageable. Laughter has this magical ability to bring comfort, even during tough times.

Now, I intentionally add moments of humour to my daily life, whether it's through comedy shows, lighthearted conversations with friends and family, or simply allowing myself to be a little silly. It has become a small but powerful way to take care of my mental health.