Laughter is a Good Medicine

People often say that laughter is the best medicine – and they’re right. Laughter is not just about feeling happy. It is powerful for both the body and the soul.
 
Research shows that laughter can lower blood pressure and reduce stress. It helps the lungs clear out stale air and brings more oxygen into the body. It also strengthens the immune system, allowing the body to fight illness more effectively.
 
Laughter also releases endorphins – the “feel-good” chemicals in the brain. These chemicals help us feel happier, calmer and more positive. They are the same chemicals released when runners feel a natural high after prolonged exercise. No wonder the Bible says, “Laughter is a good medicine.”
 
It can be personal
 
For me, laughter is very personal. I lost my beautiful mum, who passed away peacefully at home at the wonderful age of 99. She stayed fiercely independent until the very end. She was warm, strong and full of joy.
 
One of her most special qualities was her sense of humour. She laughed every single day. Whether it was a cheeky comment, a funny story or a shared family moment, laughter was part of who she was. I genuinely believe her ability to laugh helped her live such a long, healthy life.
 
Life hasn’t always been easy. I also lost my sister, and the pain of grief is real and overwhelming. There are times when laughter feels impossible.
 
There is a place for laughter
 
But even in the darkest times, when the time was right, laughter slowly returned. Not as disrespect to those we lost, but as a way of honouring life. It reminded me that sadness and joy can exist together, and that choosing to laugh again is a brave and healing step forward.
 
Laughter does not mean being careless or lowering your standards. It simply means accepting that we are human. We make mistakes. We fall. And sometimes, especially in daily life or at work, we need to learn to laugh at ourselves.
 
Let go of the need to be perfect. Perfection isn’t real. Being genuine and joyful is far more powerful.
 
So take every chance to laugh. Laugh with friends. Laugh with family. Laugh at silly moments and even at your own flaws. Give yourself permission to feel joy – especially when life feels heavy.
 
3 Key Learnings 

• Laughter strengthens the body and mind. It reduces stress, boosts immunity, releases feel-good chemicals and supports overall well-being. 
• Joy and grief can exist together. Even during difficult times, laughter can help us heal and stay resilient. 
• Humour shows emotional strength. Choosing to laugh shows courage, self-awareness and a positive outlook, even when life is challenging. 

 
If my mum taught me anything, it is this: laughter is not a weakness – it is wisdom. She lived to 99, staying independent, full of life and full of sparkle right to the end.
 
Her daily laughter, playful spirit and wonderful sense of humour helped keep her strong and healthy. She didn’t just survive – she truly lived.
 
Her laughter was her medicine, her strength and her secret. So laugh often, laugh freely, and remember: your laughter may be precisely what your heart and body need today. 
 
Thoughts for the week 

1. When was the last time you laughed during a difficult moment?
2. How can you bring more humour into your everyday life?
3. What would change if you chose joy more often? 

Well, that’s it for this week. Have a wonderful weekend and keep believing.
 
Warm regards
 
John

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