12 Science-Backed Ways Laughter Is Becoming Medicine
11. Everyday prescriptions: micro-habits to invite laughter
Making laughter a habit means designing tiny, repeatable practices you’ll actually do. Start with one micro-prescription: schedule two short laughter breaks daily—maybe a five-minute funny video with morning coffee and a two-minute laugh-share with a family member after dinner. Other low-barrier options include keeping a "joy playlist" of comedy clips, practicing forced-but-playful laughter exercises (they often become genuine), or setting a daily reminder to notice something that makes you smile. For people with mobility or energy limits, laughter can be purely mental—a remembered funny scene, a humorous audiobook, or a phone call with someone who makes you laugh. Track your mood each evening for a week to notice changes. Starting small keeps the practice realistic and sustainable, fitting neatly with HealthPrep’s emphasis on consistency over intensity. (Source: Loma Linda University, 2019)
12. Training and research: building a rigorous future for laughter medicine
As interest grows, formal training and better trials will strengthen laughter’s place in medicine. Some organizations already offer facilitator training for laughter therapy, laughter yoga certifications, and workshops for healthcare staff. Research priorities include randomized controlled trials that test dose, duration, and long-term outcomes, plus studies that identify which patients benefit most. Clinicians who want to integrate laughter should look for reputable training programs and partner with researchers when possible to track outcomes. For anyone designing a program, prioritize ethical standards, cultural competence, and clear safety protocols. As evidence accumulates, laughter may become a recognized adjunct in prevention and recovery plans, not as a miracle cure but as a measurable, low-cost tool that supports whole-person health. For now, inspired clinicians and communities can lead with curiosity and careful tracking. (Source: Research recommendations; Loma Linda University, 2019)
