Laughter as Medicine: Why Humor and Play Are Essential for Your Energy
I’ve always loved to laugh. It’s in my blood. Growing up, we were a laughing family. My dad would tell these hilarious stories, and I’d laugh at just about everything — maybe too many things (it was like my own little energy release, especially before I understood anything about managing energy). Laughter was part of the rhythm of our home, and it’s something that’s stuck with me.
It wasn’t until later in life that I realized just how essential humor and laughter are — not just for my happiness, but for my energy. After recovering from trauma, I started attending live comedy shows as part of my healing process. The laughter wasn’t just fun — it was medicine. It reminded me that joy was possible, even in dark times, and it was a powerful way to reset my mind and body.
So, while humor and play might seem like luxury add-ons, they’re actually essential for our well-being. Laughter has the ability to recharge us, lighten our spirits, and help us manage stress. It’s a tool we can use every day to lift our energy, without needing any fancy equipment or extra time.
Let’s talk about why humor and play are essential for your energy — and how you can reconnect with them to feel more balanced, joyful, and alive.
Why Laughter Is More Than Just Fun and Games
Laughter does more than just lighten the mood. It has real, tangible benefits for your mind, body, and spirit.
1. Laughter Energizes You
Ever noticed how you feel lighter and more awake after a good laugh? That’s because laughter activates your body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which helps you feel more relaxed and less stressed. When you laugh, your body releases endorphins (those lovely feel-good hormones), which boosts your mood and energy levels.
2. Humor Breaks Down Barriers
Humor helps break the tension and creates connection. Whether you're bonding with a friend over a shared joke or laughing at yourself, humor dissolves the emotional blocks that can drain your energy. It helps you stay open and present, and it reminds you that you don’t have to take everything so seriously.
3. Play Enhances Creativity
Play isn’t just for kids. It’s an essential part of staying mentally sharp and creatively energized. When you embrace playfulness, you free your mind from rigid thought patterns and create space for new ideas and solutions to emerge. Play enhances creative problem-solving and makes everyday tasks feel less like chores.
4. Laughter Heals
Laughter can lower stress, ease anxiety, and even improve your immune system. It’s like a mini-massage for your mind and body. When we laugh, we release built-up tension and create space for healing. Laughter is one of the simplest ways to shift out of a stressed-out state and back into a place of balance.
5 Easy Ways to Bring More Laughter and Play into Your Day
So, how do you invite more laughter and play into your daily life? Here are some simple and effective ways to do just that:
1. Watch or Listen to Something Funny
Take a 10-minute break and watch a stand-up comedy special or a funny YouTube video. A quick laugh can shift your energy instantly.
Watch a few minutes of a comedy show, listen to a funny podcast, or play a game that makes you giggle.
Take a mental break and just let yourself laugh without any pressure.
Why it works: Quick bursts of humor and fun activate your body's relaxation response, lowering stress levels and energizing you.
2. Laugh at Yourself
Sometimes the funniest moments come from our own awkwardness or mistakes. Laughing at yourself invites humility and play into your life.
Remind yourself of a moment that made you laugh at yourself (maybe an embarrassing moment or a silly mistake).
Take a moment to laugh with yourself — because, hey, life’s way more fun that way.
Why it works: Laughing at yourself brings you back to humility, helps you let go of perfectionism, and lightens your overall energy.
3. Add Play to Your Routine
Play isn’t just for kids, and it’s not reserved for the weekend. You can bring play into your daily routine — even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Set a timer and do something spontaneous — dance, sing, or make silly noises.
Add a bit of whimsy to a routine task: fold laundry with a song, or make a game out of organizing your desk.
Why it works: Play breaks up routine, adds a little joy, and gives your mind permission to have fun, even in the mundane.
4. Create a Laughter Ritual
Humor is one of the best ways to reconnect with joy. And you can create a ritual around it.
Every day, listen to a funny podcast or watch a short comedy video before bed.
Start your morning with a quick burst of laughter — even if it’s just watching a short comedy clip or doing some silly stretching.
Why it works: When laughter becomes a regular part of your day, it’s easier to invite joy into all the little moments.
5. Surround Yourself with Playful People
Energy is contagious. If you want to bring more joy into your life, hang out with people who know how to laugh and play…and who make you laugh.
Spend time with someone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously and knows how to laugh.
If you’re not feeling social, watch shows or follow social media accounts that lift your spirits.
Why it works: Being around playful, fun people can boost your energy and remind you to embrace the lighter side of life.
Journaling Prompts to Spark Play and Laughter
Use these prompts to reconnect with your playful, light-hearted self:
What’s something silly that always makes me laugh?
How do I feel when I laugh uncontrollably? What makes me laugh that hard?
When was the last time I laughed at myself? What made that moment so funny?
What’s a fun, playful activity I’ve been putting off that I could try right now?
What’s one thing I can do today that will make me laugh, even if it’s silly?
How can I start incorporating laughter as a healing tool in my life?
Affirmations for Playful Energy
Try repeating these affirmations when you need a little reminder to lighten up and embrace joy:
“I welcome laughter and joy into my day.”
“My energy is lifted through humor, play, and fun.”
“I give myself permission to laugh and play, without needing a reason.”
“I embrace the lightness of everyday moments.”
“Laughter comes easily to me, and it fuels my spirit.”
“My laughter is a powerful source of energy and healing.”
Final Thoughts
Laughter isn’t just a fleeting moment of fun — it’s a vital part of our energy toolkit. It recharges us, helps us heal, and reminds us that life doesn’t need to be serious all the time. So next time you’re feeling low on energy, take a quick laughter break. Make space for some play. It’s medicine for the soul.
Start small. Let laughter be your daily practice, and watch how it transforms your energy — one chuckle at a time.
P.S. If this topic resonates with you, and you’re looking for more inspiration on how to make room for fun in your life, I highly recommend The Fun Habit by Dr. Mike Rucker. It’s not directly where the ideas in this post come from, but it has been a gentle guide for me, reminding me to infuse more laughter and play into my daily routine.
Still Have Questions?
If you have more questions that I didn’t address here, based on your specific situation or anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask me. I’d love to see how I could be of service!
