Hearty laughter is a good way to jog internally without having to go outdoors.

Norman Cousins 

As we reach the end of 2025, I’ve made a conscious decision to be aware of the need for healthy pleasures as part of healing, balance, and self-care. Healthy pleasures positively change our body-mind chemistry; boost our immune system and our moods; and affect our attitudes and beliefs. Healthy pleasures can provide a break during the busyness of the holidays that leave us feeling exhausted, and like “human doings” versus “human beings.” As a holiday gift to ourselves, we CAN adapt and change our habits, beliefs, and behavior by considering ways to add laughter and play breaks into our schedule. 

Why is laughter the best medicine for the mind and the body? Laughter draws people together and creates healthy physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual changes in the body. As a powerful antidote to stress, pain, burdens, and conflict, there is nothing that works faster or more dependably than a good laugh. When we take ourselves too seriously, it can be challenging to think outside the box and explore alternative options. Laughter is a tremendous resource for coping with problems, strengthening relationships, and promoting physical and emotional well-being.  

Laughter has many health benefits. Laughter relaxes the entire body; boosts the immune system; increases blood flow; protects the heart; and triggers the release of the body’s feel-good chemicals (endorphins), which help reduce pain. According to Suzanne Steinbaum, DO, cardiologist and director of women and heart disease at Lenox Hill Hospital in NYC, laughter increases HDL, the good cholesterol. Laughter can also burn calories, diffuse anger and conflict, and put problems into perspective. 

Laughter helps us stay healthy mentally. As a result of chemical changes in the body during laughter, stress is reduced, and our energy, our life force, is increased. Laughter helps us avoid feeling overwhelmed and changes how we see and experience people, places, and situations. Humor can promote a more optimistic outlook during challenging times and can help us find meaning and hope.

Laughter is contagious, fosters emotional connection, and strengthens relationships. Spending time with family and/or friends sharing humorous moments can create a more relaxed, positive, and happier connection.  Laughter takes us out of our heads and away from our troubles, helping us to momentarily forget our cares and concerns.

Laughter is a natural part of life that is innate and inborn. Infants begin smiling during the first few weeks of life, and laugh out loud within months of being born. Even if you grew up in a household where laughter was not a common sound, you can learn to laugh at any stage of life. It is possible. Consider using laughter as exercise…..think of it as internal jogging!  

May your holidays be blessed with peace, healthy pleasures, and sacred moments that bring you home to your heart.