43 - Laugh More, Stress Less: The Health Benefits of Humor and Joy

About this episode

Dr. Wendy Bazilian discusses the health benefits of laughter and humor, exploring its impact on emotional and physical well-being.

There’s a reason a good laugh feels like it reaches all the way down to your bones — it’s one of the quickest ways the body remembers joy. In this uplifting and evidence-based episode of 1,000 Waking Minutes , Dr. Wendy Bazilian explores why laughter matters — from its power to rewire the brain and support heart health to its ability to boost immunity, reduce stress, and even help us “jog internally” without leaving the house. Blending research and real-life examples, including how comedy found its way back after 9/11, insights from Loma Linda University and Vanderbilt studies, and reflections on Andrea Martin’s Lady Parts , Dr. Bazilian connects humor and healing in ways that feel both relatable and inspiring. You’ll also experience a mindful minute to smile, breathe, and feel the lightness laughter brings — plus practical tips to “find your funny,” watch something that cracks you up, and even “smile loudly” as a daily health tool. FROM THE EPISODE WE DISCUSS: (00:00) Intro (1:34) Why laughter matters — emotionally, physically, and socially (2:47) The role of humor in healing and connection, from 9/11 to everyday life (5:44) Andrea Martin, Edith Prickley, and Lil Edith P in her…

People in this episode

Host: Wendy Bazilian

Topics covered

• laughter
• health benefits
• humor
• stress reduction
• mindfulness
• healing

Keywords

• laughter
• health
• humor
• stress
• mindfulness
• immunity
• joy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Loma Linda University, Vanderbilt

Books & works: Lady Parts

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