The Medicine You’re Missing? A Good Laugh!
"I made the joyous discovery that ten minutes of genuine belly laughter had an anesthetic effect and would give me at least two hours of pain-free sleep."
Norman Cousins - American political journalist, author, professor, and world peace advocate
When was the last time you had a really good belly laugh — the kind that makes your eyes water and your stomach hurt (in a good way)? If it’s been a while, you’re not alone. The average adult laughs just 17 times a day, while children laugh over 300 times! But here’s the thing — laughter isn’t just fun, it’s powerful medicine. Norman Cousins, a journalist who healed from a serious illness, made laughter a cornerstone of his recovery — and science backs him up. Laughter reduces stress, boosts immunity, and even improves gut health. So if you’ve been glued to the news and feeling anxious, maybe it’s time to swap doom scrolling for some for some heartfelt laughter.
Practice at Home:
Create a "Joy Playlist": Curate a go-to collection of funny podcasts, comedy specials, or YouTube videos that make you laugh out loud. When stress creeps in, hit play!
Laugh with Others: Laughter is contagious — reach out to a friend who always cracks you up, watch a dumb movie with family or friends, or my favorite Saturday Night Live.
Find the Funny in Everyday Moments: Life is full of funny reframes — when things don’t go as planned, try to find humor in the situation. It lightens the mood and helps you bounce back faster.
