In therapy, we talk a lot about coping with difficult emotions, but we also focus on the emotions that lift us up. Positive emotions like joy and amusement are not just “nice to have.” They can be powerful tools for regulating mood and building resilience.

Laughter works on both the mind and the body. Genuine laughter releases endorphins, your brain’s natural feel-good chemicals, lowers stress hormones like cortisol, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps you relax. Physically, it can slow your heart rate, ease muscle tension, and even lower blood pressure.

Humor can also shift how we see challenges. Looking at a tough situation through a lighter or more playful lens can make it feel smaller and more manageable. This shift, known as cognitive reappraisal, is a proven way to reduce stress and strengthen resilience.

There are many ways to invite more laughter into your life. You might set aside 10 to 15 minutes each day to watch a favorite comedy show or listen to a funny podcast. Keeping a humor journal, where you jot down amusing moments or cartoons, can give you something uplifting to revisit on difficult days. Playful activities such as board games, improv, or telling lighthearted stories with friends can spark both joy and connection. For a blend of movement and humor, laughter yoga combines intentional laughter with deep breathing for a surprising mood boost.

When you bring these experiences into therapy, they become more than just lighthearted moments. They turn into tools you can draw on when stress builds. At Ember Psychotherapy Collective, we integrate humor into emotional regulation work, not as a distraction from hardship but as a reminder that joy has a rightful place in the healing process.