Picture standing shoulder to shoulder on a crowded elevator on a muggy summer New York City evening. You know only one of the three elevators in this 34-story building is working. You also know the day before you saw a fully geared-up fireman working on this same elevator because it wasn’t functioning.
As you jostle to secure your corner in the elevator, you hear boisterous laughter and jokes as folks shared their own elevator stories. “I walked up and down 29 stories for two days.” “I held out for an elevator and was willing to wait all day.” “The fire department came, so it must be OK.” “Next time, just hold down the button—the elevator will come!!”
It was so ridiculous, unacceptable, and unsafe that it was funny.
This experience happened last month, and it got me thinking. The good humor and laughter eased a stressful situation and made all of us feel better—in body, mind, and spirit. I realized that in my almost ten years of blogging, I’d never written about the health benefits of humor and laughter. In fact, a word search revealed that in the 106K words I wrote, I used the words laughter and humor only three times and never as the main topic.
Research confirms what we all have experienced. Laughter and humor makes us feel better. A 2010 review says:
“Laughter has shown physiological, psychological, social, spiritual, and quality-of-life benefits.
Adverse effects are very limited, and laughter is practically lacking in contraindications.”
How can we take advantage of this healing remedy that also feels good? These steps may help:
Spend time with good natured and funny people. Though I appreciate humor, I don’t think I’m especially funny. I value people like my husband, who laughs loudly many times a day, often at silly things—an outrageous commercial, an super-action scene on TV, or a child’s antics. And friends like Eric, whose quick wit makes everyone laugh.
Purposely expose yourself to comedy. Consider shows, books, jokes, intentional bantering, or even Improv Comedy.
Memorize one or two good jokes or funny stories.
Be silly. Frolicking with children is a good place to start. Relax and be playful with trusted family or friends. I’ve learned to join my husband in his silliness…hiding things, sneaking up on each other, teasing with fake stories, or racing to see who gets to bed first.
Learn about “Laughter Yoga” and try it out.
Meditate. I’m not kidding. Dan Harris of 10% Happier fame describes the many Buddhist teachers he knows who are exceptionally funny. He believes this is because they clearly see how ridiculous the human mind can be. In 2025, a “humor-enriched” MBSR program” (mindfulness based stress reduction) increased benevolent humor and psychological well-being.
Slow down enough to observe the funny scenes and absurdities of daily life. I laugh aloud every time I see a neighborhood dog carrying a stick two or three times longer than he is.
SUGGESTIONS:
1. I’m currently reading Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson, about the lead up to the Civil War. The author describes Lincoln’s ability to tell funny or folksy stories in the midst of indescribable pain and uncertainty, including during his pre-inauguration trip to Washington when he told a silly story about a sure-footed, very slow horse. The Saturday Evening Post describes Lincoln as having an “irreverent sense of humor and a biting wit.” This gift must have lowered the temperature on many an occasion. Is it possible for us to emulate this talent of his in some small ways to bring a little healing to our country?
2. Enjoy these laugh-out loud short funny quotes and these silly signs offered by Reader’s Digest.
3. Do you think you can bring more humor or laughter into your life? I’m curious what you think.
CHANGE IS COMING
A Note to Subscribers
In the next month or two, I will be moving my monthly blog to Substack. You may notice a slight change in the format of the email you receive, but you do not need to do anything or subscribe again.
From your end, the transition should be seamless. But just in case there are any issues, please contact me at serenityandhealthdc@gmail.com.
I am excited about this change and believe it will serve us well in the years ahead.
Enjoy your summer and God bless,
Donna
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Dr. Donna Chacko promotes health of body, mind, and spirit through her website (serenityandhealth.com), her blog, her podcast/vlog series, “Engaging with a Messy World” and " “Pop-Up Conversations on Health of Mind, Body, and Spirit,” and programs at her church. She is the author of Pilgrimage: A Doctor’s Healing Journey (Luminare Press, 2021), 2022 Illumination Awards Gold Medal Winner, 2022 Reader Views Literary Award Gold Medal Winner, and 2022 Catholic Media Association First Place Awards.
Why we need more laughter in our absurd world.