(Side effects may include snorting, sudden mood boosts, and abdominal soreness from actual joy.)

I’ve laughed during seizures.

I've laughed while half my body was paralysed.

I’ve laughed while being wheeled into an ambulance.

I’ve laughed on days where my body was falling apart, my brain was buffering, and my emotions were holding on by a thread.

And somehow—it always helped.

Have You Tried Laughing? (It’s Cheaper Than Therapy)

Sure, therapy is amazing (when you can access it), but laughter? It’s accessible, instant, and scientifically backed.

Studies show laughter can:

• Reduce stress hormones

• Boost immune function

• Release endorphins (your body’s own happy chemicals)

• Ease pain (yes, actual physical pain)

• Help regulate emotions (hello, ADHD mood rollercoaster)

  
  

Laughing doesn’t fix everything. But it does something. And on the hardest days, that “something” can feel like everything.

There were so many studies I decided against linking as you would be scrolling for days, but if you’re interested Google scholar has plenty!

Find Your Laugh Triggers

What makes you laugh? Seriously—take note. Make a list, make a folder, make it a daily vitamin. Create a “Laugh Kit.” Turn it into your emotional first-aid plan. For me, it’s:

• Voice notes from my niece butchering Let It Go

• My husband doing silly things around the house

• That one meme where the skeleton says “me trying to explain my rare condition to a new doctor”

• Bob Mortimer highlight reel - or any British comedian really

• Playlunch song - Keith (Aussies will understand)

In Case of Emergency: Take Your Laughter Vitamin

Once you know your laugh triggers, you’ve got a lifeline.

Feeling flat? Press play. Feeling stuck? Ask a loved one to send something from your list. Let your loved ones know what makes you laugh or smile. My husband knows if I’ve had a rough day, his job is to turn the wackiness dial to 11.

Laughter isn’t just fun - it shifts your nervous system. It gives your brain a break. And when you live with chronic illness, ADHD, anxiety, or the general absurdity of life—it counts. It counts a lot.

TLDR

Laughter won’t fix everything. But it helps. So go on—add it to your medicine cabinet. No prescription needed.