12 Science-Backed Ways Laughter Is Becoming Medicine

3. Hormone benefits: endorphins, serotonin and cortisol shifts

Laughter influences hormone systems that shape stress and well-being. Studies report increased endorphins—natural pain-relieving compounds—and higher levels of serotonin after genuine laughter episodes. Those chemicals support mood stability and can reduce perceived pain briefly. Importantly, laughter has been observed to lower cortisol, the stress hormone linked to inflammation and cardiovascular risk when chronically elevated. That hormone shift helps explain why people often feel calmer after a laugh. These are measurable, short-term changes rather than claims of curing disease, and researchers urge cautious interpretation. For daily life, combining laughter with simple stress-reduction habits strengthens the effect: try a few deep breaths, then a short laughter practice, or pair a funny podcast with a light walk. Small, repeated moments of joy can help lower your baseline stress and support healthy patterns over time. (Source: Loma Linda University, 2019)

4. Physical health impacts: parallels with moderate exercise

Some physiological effects of hearty laughter resemble those seen with moderate exercise. Laughter raises heart rate briefly, increases oxygen intake, and can enhance circulation during and immediately after a laughing episode. Researchers have compared certain short-term vascular and respiratory benefits from laughter to low-intensity physical activity, noting improved blood flow and relaxation once the episode subsides. These effects may help support cardiovascular health as one piece of a broader lifestyle strategy. That said, researchers emphasize that laughter does not replace regular, sustained exercise. Instead, consider laughter a complementary habit that enhances daily activity and reduces stress-related wear on the body. A practical tip is to combine mild movement with laughter—for instance, follow a short aerobic set with a few minutes of laughter meditation or laughter-based group games. This pairing invites both cardiovascular stimulus and the restorative hormone shifts that laughter promotes. (Source: Loma Linda University, 2019)