When was the last time you laughed—really laughed? Not a polite chuckle or a half-hearted smile, but the kind of laugh that makes your stomach ache and your eyes water. If it’s been a while, you’re not alone. Life gets serious—bills, deadlines, responsibilities—but somewhere along the way, many of us forget how to just enjoy ourselves.

Yet, here’s the thing: laughter isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s like medicine for your mind and body. Science backs this up—when you laugh, your brain releases endorphins, your stress levels drop, and your immune system gets a boost. It’s not just “feeling good”—it’s being good.

Why Have We Stopped Laughing?

When you were a child, laughing was effortless. Children laugh hundreds of times a day—at silly faces, at nonsense, at nothing at all. But as adults, we start to filter everything. We worry about how we’re perceived. We get caught in the seriousness of “real life.” Before you know it, joy becomes something you squeeze into your schedule—if you even think about it at all.

And the truth is, when you stop laughing, you stop living fully. You become trapped in your own head, replaying worries and problems that laughter could temporarily release.

How to Bring Laughter Back into Your Life

1. Seek Out Joy on Purpose

Laughter doesn’t always happen by accident—you have to invite it in. Watch a comedy show that makes you laugh until you cry. Spend time with people who lift you up. Seek out the ridiculous and the silly—there’s enough seriousness in the world.

2. Stop Taking Yourself So Seriously

One of the fastest ways to feel lighter is to laugh at yourself. Did you say something awkward? Mess something up? Laugh about it. Perfection is exhausting—letting go of it is freedom.

3. Surround Yourself with the Right People

Ever notice how some people drain you, while others make you laugh until your sides hurt? Spend time with those who bring lightness into your life. Laughter is contagious—be around people who spread it.

4. Make Time for Play

When was the last time you did something purely because it was fun? Dance in your kitchen. Play a game. Be spontaneous. Life isn’t just about surviving—it’s about living.

5. Laugh on Purpose

Yes, really. Studies show that even pretending to laugh can trigger the same feel-good chemicals as real laughter. Try it—it might feel strange at first, but your brain doesn’t know the difference.

You Deserve to Feel Joy

Laughter reminds you that life isn’t just about problems to solve—it’s about moments to enjoy. So, when was the last time you laughed? If you can’t remember, it’s time to change that.

Because you deserve to feel light, free, and fully alive. And it all starts with a simple laugh.