Where are my Curb Your Enthusiasm fans? One of my favorite episodes is when Larry becomes a bit of a social assassin when a friend doesn’t have the stones to let his wife know that he hates it when she says “LOL” instead of just laughing. Larry, of course, in true Larry David fashion, calls her out. “What’s with the saying LOL? Why don’t you just laugh?”
WHY DON’T YOU JUST LAUGH?
Everyone who knows me, is aware that the last thirty minutes of my evening are spent watching something funny. Even if I’ve just watched a movie or documentary, I will likely watch an old episode of Seinfeld or Always Sunny in Philadelphia for a laugh at what promises to be something ridiculous and stupid, but funny. If I really need a good laugh, the talent show in Napoleon Dynamite hits the spot. Laughter has become a prescription I take at the end of my day along with my magnesium supplement.
Why laughter you ask? Okay, you didn’t, but here’s the deal. Laughter is not only good for your mind, but also for your body and soul!
In December of 2023, I started writing a collection of essays on loss. If you have been following my blog, you already know why. I am hoping I will one day publish it. My fingers are crossed that the NJ Council for the Arts coughs up some grant money so I can dedicate the time to finishing it! The collection is entitled, “Losing It.” In this collection I wrote about all types of loss. I know, you’re like, “And what the hell does loss that have to do with laughter?” Keep reading….
A Collection of Personal Essays – Exploring Loss with a twist.
Loss of family, friends, children, youth, beauty, and bladder control.
“Let’s Face It” deals with my face sliding down my neck and the loss of collagen!
“I’m pissed off.” Well, I’m sure you can figure that one out.
The collection addresses my experiences with loss that I know EVERYONE at some point, will be able to relate to and I hope, learn to laugh about.
I have always enjoyed comedy. My husband and I were huge fans of stand-up long before Def Jam and the slew of stand-up specials on HBO, Hulu, Netflix, etc We used to frequent comedy clubs in NYC in the 80’s. We saw comics that are hugely successful now when they were just starting out. We saw the skinny Dave Chappelle without a cigarette in his hand! In fact, one of our first dates was to a comedy club. He later told me it was a test to see if I had a sense of humor. Hell, with my childhood, I’d better have one. Laughter for me (And I’m sure many others, including most stand-up comics) was, and remains a coping mechanism.
A few months after I decided to start any writing, I took the first step and enrolled in some classes. At the time, I was working in the film industry in the accounting department, so I was particularly interested in screenwriting, although I took classes in storytelling as well. It was in one of those classes I learned the equation, COMEDY = TRAGEDY + TIME. I wasn’t so sure about all of that. Didn’t seem to add up. How the hell is tragedy ever going to be funny?
Shortly after I started writing my essay collection, I read an interview that writer/director/actor Eugene Levy did with Creative Screenwriting following the release of his feature film, “Good Grief,” and I could totally relate to much of what he said. It was one of the reasons that I started writing in the first place.
“I love storytelling, and I think I’ve always been an observant person, when it comes to reveling in human dynamics,” says Dan Levy. “As an observer of people writing felt like an easy outlet to express my curiosity about who people are, how they work, and the flaws and joys of who we are as people. I love the fine balance of comedy and drama. I love acting it, writing it. I think it’s truthful and life.” He explains, “There’s always comedy in the darkest of times. I think it’s a coping mechanism. As human beings, we have to laugh to get through things. I’ve never subscribed to the idea that you should only do one thing — only comedy or only drama — that they can’t live together. Life is both drama and comedy living together. That’s what every day is.”
I couldn’t have said it better, but I have said it though. Life is dramedy. You must balance the drama with laughter in order to survive! I never believed I would laugh again after such a tragic and life-altering loss, but I did. I recall the line in the Sex in the City movie, after Carrie was left at the altar by Big. Heartbroken, she asks her friends if she would ever laugh again. I mean it took her friend Charlotte shitting her pants at a Mexican resort, but she laughed. When something is truly funny, you will laugh again. Laughter is a reminder that there is still joy in life to be had. Laughter, even momentarily, can help lift the weight of loss. They say laughter is the best medicine—and as it turns out, there’s solid science behind that saying. From boosting your mood to strengthening your immune system, laughter offers powerful mental and physical benefits.
1. A Natural Stress Reliever
When you laugh, your brain releases a flood of feel-good chemicals like dopamine and endorphins. These are our body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. (and a healthier option than anti-depressants!) These chemicals counteract stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, helping you feel more relaxed and balanced. Excess cortisol can eventually wear out your cardiovascular and metabolic systems. Laughter also triggers the parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and digest” mode—which lowers your heart rate and blood pressure, helping your body return to a state of calm.
2. It’s a Bit of a Workout! (but don’t skip that walk or the gym!)
A good laugh engages your diaphragm, tightens your abdominal muscles, and even gives your heart a bit of a workout. Laughter increases your oxygen intake, stimulates your heart and lungs, and improves circulation.
Researchers say that laughing for 10–15 minutes a day can burn as many as 40 calories. While that’s not quite a substitute for the gym, it’s a great supplement—especially if you’re enjoying your workouts less than your sitcom reruns.
3. Immune System Boost
Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. Laughter helps reduce that stress and supports immune function by increasing infection-fighting antibodies and activating protective cells like T-cells and natural killer cells. Consider laughter the antidote to stress, which can weaken our immune system making us more vulnerable to diseases. Laugh more = Sick less.
4. Pain Management and Physical Relief
Laughter has been shown to increase pain tolerance. In clinical settings, patients who watched funny videos required less pain medication than those who didn’t. Laughter interrupts the pain-spasm cycle common to many muscle disorders, providing temporary relief from discomfort and tension.
5. Strengthens Social Bonds
Laughter is a powerful social glue. Sharing a laugh fosters connection, creates bonds, improves communication, builds trust, and increases intimacy. When we laugh with others, it creates a sense of unity and belonging. Sharing a laugh is basically sharing your feelings. This is especially beneficial for mental health, as strong social connections are a key factor in emotional resilience and longevity.
6. Boosts Mood and Fights Depression
Laughter shifts perspective and gives your mind a break from negative thoughts. Even during difficult times, finding something to laugh about—even dark humor—can help reframe your outlook and make challenges seem more manageable.
For people dealing with anxiety or depression, laughter doesn’t replace therapy or medication, but it can be an important coping tool that supports emotional recovery.
How to Add More Laughter to Your Life
- Watch a comedy special or funny movie
- Surround yourself with light-hearted, humorous people
- Join an improv class
- Follow social accounts or pages that share uplifting or silly content
- Don’t take yourself too seriously—find joy in the little absurdities of life
Laughter won’t solve all of your problems, but it can certainly make them easier to face. It’s free! It’s contagious and readily available. So, the next time life feels overwhelming, give yourself permission to laugh. Your mind and body will thank you.
Love this – so very true.
Thanks for reading!