Laughter Is the Best Medicine

2025 Grandad and Grandson having fun in the sun

How Joy, Playfulness, and Thought can Transform Our Cells

I’m sure you have noticed how a good laugh can completely change the way you feel — not just emotionally, but physically? I’ve been exploring Laughter Yoga with my online MS chair yoga students. Laughter Yoga —is based on the idea of “fake it until you make it.” Even pretending to laugh can set off positive physical and emotional responses. The simple act of smiling or giggling sends signals of joy throughout the body, shifting our blood chemistry in profound ways.

Relearning How to Laugh

As I’ve grown older (and hopefully a little wiser), I’ve realised that laughter and playfulness don’t come as easily to me as they once did. Life, with all its responsibilities and challenges, can dim our spontaneous joy. But through my work with my MS yoga group, I’ve spent this past year reconnecting with laughter, playfulness — rediscovering that sense of lightness, curiosity, and fun.  What about you?
How much laughter, playfulness, and lightness do you invite into your life?

It’s easy to forget that laughter isn’t simply for children. The next time you’re feeling weighed down, pause and ask yourself:
When was the last time I laughed out loud? When did I last let go and simply enjoy the moment?

Lessons from a Toddler

Living next door to my 16-month-old grandson has been a beautiful reminder of what simple, uninhibited joy looks like. Toddlers laugh at anything thing. They don’t need a reason. They haven’t learned yet to hold onto stress, hide emotions, or take life so seriously.

Watching him giggle reminds me that laughter is our natural state — one we can return to at any age.

The Mind-Body Connection: How Our Cells Respond to Our Thoughts

After a recent guided meditation journey focused on releasing anger and stored emotions, I began reflecting on how our thoughts influence our biology.

Do emotions really live in the body? Do our thoughts affect our cells?

I used to be very science-based in my approach to health. But over time, I’ve become fascinated by thinkers like Bruce Lipton, author of The Biology of Belief, who suggests that our approximately 50 trillion cells each act like tiny intelligent beings — constantly responding to the energetic environment we create through our thoughts and emotions.

If that’s true, then every negative thought or harsh word could send a signal of stress through our cellular community, while every loving or joyful thought could bring them back into harmony. It’s a powerful reminder that healing doesn’t just come from medicine — it also comes from mindset, laughter, and love.

Honouring All Emotions

Its a good idea to make friends with ALL of our emotions. Even anger or sadness has a purpose and message — they protect us, guide us, and help us grow. But when joy and curiosity become our foundation, everything changes. Our energy, relationships, and even our physical health can begin to transform.

When we laugh, we raise our vibration. When we speak or think with love, our body responds differently, our biochemistry responds differently than it does to fear, anger, or frustration.  If our cells are hearing our inner dialogue — what would they be listening to most of the time?

Learning to Let Go

I still remember attending my first yoga convention years ago. On the first night, they announced a belly dancing session. I felt so uncomfortable — surrounded by strangers, expected to let go and have fun.

Now, I think I’d be more open to giving it a go.

I’m learning to embrace my authentic self — to be curious, to acknowledge and accept my imperfections, and to realise that we’re all part of one big, beautiful human jigsaw puzzle. Every one of us plays a unique role in keeping the picture whole.

Becoming Authentically You

I’m continuing to take time to slow down, practice self-care, and listen inwardly. I’ve noticed a shift — a deeper peace and acceptance. Not everyone will understand my way of thinking, or agree with me and that’s okay. I no longer need to mask who I am.

We are all perfectly imperfect.

It’s okay to feel vulnerable, to receive support, and to speak your truth. In a world that often feels turbulent, we always have the choice to look inward — to find stillness, release what no longer serves us, and return to love.

A Final Thought: Laugh Often, Live Lightly

Is laughter one of your daily wellness practices? What if we treated joy as essential to healing ourselves?

So today, take a deep breath…
Smile for no reason. Remember a smile is not simply using the mouth, its influencing the whole face and mind as well.
Laugh, even if it feels silly.

Because your body — right down to your 50 trillion cells — is listening.
Your cells will thank you as laughter is truly the best medicine.