12 Science-Backed Ways Laughter Is Becoming Medicine

9. Measuring outcomes: what clinicians can track

To bring laughter into clinical practice responsibly, measurement matters. Clinicians can track objective and subjective outcomes: brief mood scales, pain ratings, sleep quality, blood pressure taken before and after sessions, and, where feasible, biological markers like cortisol or EEG gamma activity for research settings. Patient-reported outcomes are especially practical—five-question check-ins after a week of laughter practice can reveal meaningful shifts in stress and mood. For researchers, EEG gamma measurements and immune marker assays provide mechanistic insight, though these tools are typically reserved for academic studies. For everyday clinical use, simple, repeatable metrics—mood scales, patient satisfaction, and basic vitals—are adequate to judge whether a laughter intervention is worth continuing or adapting. Tracking gives both clinician and patient useful feedback and helps integrate joyful practices into personalized care plans. (Source: Loma Linda University, 2019)

10. Community and group benefits: social medicine through shared joy

Laughter is inherently social, and group-based joy practices amplify benefits through connection. Community laughter sessions, improv groups, and shared comedy nights create social bonds that lower loneliness and strengthen resilience—factors closely tied to long-term health. Public health initiatives that promote community laughter events can support mental well-being at scale while being low-cost and inclusive. Organizers should design activities with accessibility in mind: choose venues that are physically reachable, offer quiet or low-sensory options for neurodiverse participants, and ensure cultural sensitivity in comedic material. For individuals, joining a laughter yoga class or a light-hearted book club can be a gentle way to build connections that support both mood and physical health. Community laughter creates ripple effects—small social practices can accumulate into meaningful improvements in belonging and emotional safety. (Source: Loma Linda University, 2019)