Laughter as Medicine: Humor Boosts Mental and Physical Health

You’ve probably heard the saying, “laughter is the best medicine.” Experts believe humor can actually boost your mental and physical health. But what does that really mean? I talked with Charles LaTorre about the way such a simple act – laughter – can be so powerful. LaTorre is a mental health counselor at Bellin Health Psychiatric Center in Green Bay and tells me apart from exercise, there is little else that benefits our health more than laughter.  

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LISTEN to the interview, in its entirety, here:

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“Laughter is more than just a temporary mood booster,” LaTorre explains. “Not only does it improve respiratory function by increasing airflow, but it also sparks a chemical reaction in the brain that lowers stress levels. And laughter facilitates social connections, which are just as crucial to our well-being. The positive relationships built through shared humor plays a significant role in overall health.”

Turns out, laughter is so important, there’s a day to celebrate it. Belly Laugh Day was founded in 2005 by Elaine Helle. She is a certified laughter yoga therapist and believes a belly laugh takes you beyond a giggle or chuckle to a loud, hearty laugh that is sometimes uncontrollable. LaTorre calls it a reminder of the importance of laughter in our daily lives. 

Research shows kids laugh 400 times a day. Adults? Just 15 times each day.

“Laughter doesn’t just help in the moment. It’s most beneficial when it becomes a regular part of our lifestyle,” LaTorre says. “Whether it’s a hearty laugh with friends or a good comedy show, laughter can help elevate your mood at almost any time of the day.”

LaTorre also considers laughter a gateway to mental well-being. 

“When you change the way you see things, the things you see change,” he says.. “By challenging ourselves to shift our perspective – even slightly – people can start to invite more humor and joy into their lives, even in the toughest of times.”

And he agrees. “Laughter is the best medicine,” and several doses a day doesn’t hurt. If you’re wondering, LaTorre is pretty funny, too. His own humor didn’t go unnoticed, even if his promised joke ends up being just a playful tease. It still made both of us laugh.