The Mental Health Benefits of Humour

We’ve all heard the saying “laughter is the best medicine”, but science shows it might be truer than we think. In recent years, researchers across disciplines have increasingly investigated the role of humour and laughter in supporting mental health and well-being. From biological responses in the brain to social bonding and resilience, humour is foundational to how we cope, connect and even heal. In this blog, we’ll explore what the science says about humour and mental health, why laughter creates real psychological and physical benefits, and how anyone can bring more of it into daily life.

The Science Behind Humour

Understanding why laughter benefits us starts with what it does inside the body. When we laugh, several physiological responses are triggered at once. One of the most powerful effects is the release of endorphins, the brain’s natural “feel-good” chemicals, alongside neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin that are associated with reward. These chemicals don’t just make us feel good in the moment; they play key roles in mood regulation and stress management.

At the same time, laughter actively reduces stress hormones. Research shows that a session of genuine, spontaneous laughter can significantly lower cortisol levels, in some studies by about 30–37% , effectively decreasing the biological stress response.

Neurologically, laughter engages multiple regions of the brain, including those responsible for emotion, reward, cognition and memory; it’s a full-brain activity that links affective and cognitive processes. This is part of why humour can influence not just short-term mood but also our long-term emotional resilience.

Moreover, a UK-based study led by researchers at the University of Warwick found that laughter and humour can alleviate feelings of worry and isolation, and support emotional control, acting as a “natural pressure value” in both everyday and challenging situations.

The Psychological Benefits of Humour

Beyond its biological effects, humour plays a profound psychological role. One of the most consistent findings in mental health research is that humour supports mood regulation. People who laugh regularly report reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety; a meta-analysis of laughter-based interventions confirmed that these approaches can effectively reduce negative emotions and improve sleep quality in adults.

Laughing can change how we see stress and difficult situations, which plays an important role in building resilience. Finding humour in tough moments helps the mind step back, making problems feel less overwhelming and easier to manage. This shift in perspective can make it simpler to cope with challenges as they arise, rather than feeling weighed down by them.

Humour also contributes to self-esteem and optimism, as individuals with a robust sense of humour tend to feel more confident in social situations and more capable of tackling life’s ups and downs. This form of emotional resilience isn’t about ignoring problems, but instead, about approaching them from a mentally adaptive angle.

Humour and Social Connection

While laughter has immediate effects on brain chemistry, one of its most powerful long-term benefits is social. Humans are inherently social animals, and shared laughter is one of the strongest nonverbal bonding mechanisms we have. When we laugh with others, it builds trust, creates emotional closeness, and strengthens interpersonal bonds.

Research shows that shared laughter is a key part of forming and maintaining healthy relationships, from family ties and friendships to workplace teams, and can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are significant risk factors for mental health problems.

There’s also growing interest in using humour socially as part of group interventions. Organisations across the UK, from NHS recovery colleges offering comedy workshops to community arts projects like “Comedy on Referral”, are exploring how communal humour and creative expression support well-being and offer alternatives to more traditional therapeutic approaches, particularly for people experiencing mental health challenges.

Physical Health Benefits That Support Mental Health

The mind and body are deeply interconnected, and many of laughter’s physical benefits directly support mental well-being. Physiologically, laughter impacts systems that sustain good health and stress resilience.

For example, laughter influences cardiovascular health by improving blood vessel function and enhancing blood flow, which can reduce cardiovascular strain over time. It also relaxes major muscle groups and can lower blood pressure, both of which are linked to decreased anxiety and calmer mental states.

Laughter is also associated with improved immune function. When humour and laughter reduce stress hormones, they simultaneously increase infection-fighting antibodies and immune cell activity, effectively helping the body defend against illness and recover more efficiently.

These physiological responses make laughter somewhat akin to a light, enjoyable form of exercise: while it won’t replace running or strength training, it stimulates muscles, increases heart rate briefly, and promotes relaxation.

Finally, laughter is connected with better sleep. Because it lowers stress and releases tension, people who incorporate humour into their lives often find it easier to unwind at night, which can improve both the quantity and quality of sleep, a crucial aspect of mental health.

Practical Ways to Use Humour for Well-being

So how do you bring humour into your life more often? Luckily, enhancing your exposure to laughter and play doesn’t require major upheaval; small changes can make a big difference.

Start with what feels natural and accessible. Watching a favourite comedy show, film, or stand-up special can bring real laughter and help reset your mood, even brief moments of laughter can reduce stress hormones.

Sharing jokes, humorous stories, or even silly memories with friends or family strengthens relationships and builds supportive social bonds. For those in supported living or group care settings, group games, comedy nights, or light-hearted activities can build community, reduce isolation and create joyful shared experiences.

Also, keeping a humour journal – a dedicated space to jot down funny moments or jokes that made you laugh from your day – can train your brain to notice humour more often, shifting focus away from routine stressors. Participating in structured laughter activities like laughter yoga or group laughter therapy can also be beneficial for some, blending physical engagement with playful social interaction.

Above all, what makes one person laugh won’t necessarily work for another. Finding your own sense of humour, whether dry, absurd, witty, or light-hearted, is part of the process.

Important Considerations

While humour holds many benefits, it’s important to recognise its nuances. There’s a difference between healthy humour that uplifts and connects, and harmful humour that ridicules, offends, or isolates others. Sarcasm, belittlement, or jokes at someone else’s expense can undermine well-being and damage relationships, undermining the very benefits laughter is meant to provide.

Cultural context and personal sensitivities matter, too. Humour that feels affirming in one context might be uncomfortable or inappropriate in another, so it’s always important to remain aware of others’ boundaries and experiences.

Humour and laughter should be viewed as complementary tools, not replacements for professional mental health care. Conditions such as clinical depression, severe anxiety, trauma, or other mental health disorders require evidence-based treatments and professional support, and humour can be a supportive addition to comprehensive care.

Conclusion

Humour is a natural, accessible, and scientifically supported tool for boosting mental well-being. From biological effects on stress hormones and brain chemistry to enhanced social connection and resilience, laughter works on multiple levels to support our mental and physical health.

Making space for laughter in your everyday life – whether through shared jokes, comedy shows, group activities, or playful interactions – can create meaningful shifts in how you feel, think, and connect with others.

So here’s a friendly reminder: laugh a little more today, your body and mind will thank you for it.