Laughter, the Best Medicine: Finding Healing in Humor and Humor in Healing

In the journey of life, we often encounter challenges and obstacles that can leave us feeling bruised, battered, and sometimes alone. During these trying times, it’s essential to discover sources of healing and resilience. I have like many of you faced some substantial challenges and obstacles in my life.

It was during those moments that my wife and two daughters became my light.  It was from that light that I learned something valuable from my youngest daughter; herself no stranger to the need for healing.  She showed me something amazing; an unexpected yet powerful remedy in my quest for healing; humor. They say laughter is the best medicine, and it’s not just a cliché; there’s a profound truth behind it.

Her humor, her laughter, and her sheer ability to bring levity to the weight I sometimes thought was overwhelming became a life changer for me.  It allowed me the ability to take a few more steps toward healing and keep taking them every day.  I would like to share with you what she taught me, in hopes your burdens can also be lifted enough that you can take a few more steps toward healing each day.

Embrace the absurdity of life:

Life is often unpredictable, chaotic, and, at times, downright absurd. Embracing the absurdity and finding humor in the chaos can be a coping strategy that transforms the way we perceive our challenges. Rather than succumbing to the weight of difficulties, laughter enables us to function within the absurdity of life with a lighthearted spirit.

Know that humor is universal:

One of the beautiful aspects of humor is that it’s universal. Regardless of language, culture, or background, laughter transcends boundaries and brings people together. In times of healing, the shared experience of joy and laughter becomes a powerful tool for building bridges and bringing people together, if even for that moment, there is no they, only we.

Comedy is a tool for self-reflection:

Incorporating humor into our healing process also involves a healthy dose of self-reflection. Like Mary Poppins so graciously put it; “ A spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down.” Through comedy, we can learn not to take ourselves too seriously. Recognizing our own quirks, vulnerabilities, and imperfections allows us to navigate challenges with a lighter heart and a greater sense of self-acceptance.  It also helps us prevent negative self-reflection because it’s hard to feel people are laughing at you when they are laughing with you.

Laughter can be used as a tool for resilience:

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, and humor is a key ingredient in developing this strength. When faced with setbacks, using humor as a shield against despair can help us persevere. It’s not about dismissing the seriousness of a situation but rather acknowledging that laughter can be a beacon of hope even in the darkest moments. Laughter forces us to breathe, and sometimes taking a breath is what we need.

Incorporate playfulness into healing:

Healing doesn’t have to be a solemn and somber process. Injecting playfulness into our healing can be a refreshing approach. Whether it’s engaging in playful banter with loved ones, indulging in activities that bring us joy, or simply appreciating the lighter side of life, incorporating playfulness can make healing less difficult and more enjoyable and sustainable.  Solemness creates anxiety and pushes others away, humor creates ease, and draws people in. We can be lost alone, or we can be lost together, which would you prefer?

Find healing in humor:

There is a therapeutic power in laughter. It has been proven to have numerous physical and psychological benefits. It reduces stress hormones, releases endorphins, and improves our overall mood. Embracing humor in difficult situations can be a transformative coping mechanism. It can take us from a negative mindset which can impede the healing process to a positive mindset, which can promote the healing process.

Connect through comedy:

Sharing a laugh with others creates a sense of connection and camaraderie. In times of adversity, bonding over a good joke or a funny story can strengthen relationships and provide a support system.  It allows others to breach the solitude barrier we often find ourselves trapped behind. Comedy and laughing create positive energy, and like a moth to a flame, people are drawn to it.  

Humor can help you shift your perspective:

Humor has the remarkable ability to alter our perspective on challenging situations. It allows us to step back, see the bigger picture, and find a lighter side even in the darkest moments. It allows us to see the often-missed beauty of being human in all of its imperfections. Life is a dangerous adventure, it can be treacherous or it can be easy, the funny thing is, no matter which one you experience, nobody gets out alive, because life is funny that way.

Comedy can be a helpful coping mechanism:

When faced with illness or adversity, maintaining a sense of humor can be a powerful coping mechanism. Comedians have famously used laughter as part of their healing journey, highlighting the positive impact humor can have on our well-being. 

Have you ever wondered why people in high-stress professions tend to make jokes, even when some might find them to be a bit dark?  It’s not because they are insensitive, it’s because they are very sensitive, and this is an outlet to help them cope with things that otherwise would break them.  

Find the healing power of a Smile:

Laughter isn’t just about the sound; even a smile can trigger positive responses in our bodies. Integrating humor into healing processes, whether through funny movies, jokes, or playful interactions, can contribute to a more positive and hopeful mindset.  Even a forced smile will eventually become an involuntary one, and the next thing you know, you have to force yourself to stop. What a horrible way to suffer, right?

Create Joyful moments:

Humor doesn’t just happen; it can be intentionally incorporated into our lives. Creating space for joy and laughter, especially in challenging times, helps in breaking the monotony of suffering and will foster a sense of joy and resilience.

Embrace the healing laughter challenge:

As we explore the amazing healing power of humor, I would like to invite you to take the healing laughter challenge. Make a conscious effort to find something amusing each day; share a joke with a friend, indulge in a favorite comedy show; hold your buddy’s beer while he proves he is still as good as he used to be, whatever you want. But actively seek out moments of laughter, and open yourself up to the therapeutic benefits that humor can offer.  The worst that can happen is you end up having had some smiles or laughs you would not have otherwise, well I’m sorry!

There’s a symbiotic relationship between healing and humor, you just have to let it happen. Navigating the ups and downs of life is difficult, I want to acknowledge that and never minimize the struggles people face. I respect them too much, but I know through my own struggles that embracing the power of laughter can be a game-changer, even if just enough to help us carry on.

If you allow them to, humor and laughter can have a big impact on your physical, emotional, and mental well-being, it did for me. So, find the humor in your life and let it help heal you.

Stay safe and laugh!