Joy as Medicine: The Science of Fun

Sonia Dufour
6 hours ago
3 min read

🌟 Joy’s Impact on Health

Joy—the word alone sparks that sparkle, that glimmer of something fun and happy. It isn’t just a fleeting feeling—it’s a biological boost.

Research from the National Institutes of Health and the Mayo Clinic shows that laughter and play trigger the release of endorphins (our body’s natural “feel good” chemicals), lower cortisol (the stress hormone linked to higher blood pressure), and improve immune function. People who regularly experience joy tend to have lower blood pressure, steadier sleep, and stronger social bonds. These findings reflect broader evidence that cultivating joy promotes longevity, faster recovery from illness, and emotional resilience.

Think of joy as a prescription without a co-pay—it can lower blood pressure, steady heart rhythms, and strengthen social bonds. Side effects may include contagious giggles and spontaneous dance moves.

And here’s the best part: joy doesn’t always need company. A solo belly laugh at a sitcom rerun, a quiet smile at a memory, or even a private snort laugh that clears your sinuses better than any decongestant—all count. Joy alone can be medicine too.

🎉 Fun Rituals for Everyday Life

You don’t need a vacation or a spa membership to invite joy into your day. Small rituals can act like “mini medicine,” resetting stress and restoring energy:

Dancing in the kitchen while dinner cooks: Bonus points if you burn calories and the garlic bread.
Playing fetch with a pet: Science says pets lower anxiety. Pets say, “Throw it again.”
Sharing a silly joke with a friend: Humor therapy is real. And yes, dad jokes count.
Taking five minutes for a puzzle, doodle, or playful activity: Micro breaks keep the brain sharp and stress low.

These sparks of fun remind us that joy doesn’t have to be grand—it just has to be intentional. A five-minute laugh can lower heart rate, a doodle can distract from aches, and a kitchen dance can remind stiff joints they’re still in the game. Whether you’re laughing with others or smiling to yourself, joy alone is just as powerful.

💊 Side Effects of Joy (Read the Label!)

May cause spontaneous dancing in kitchens
Often leads to contagious giggles in public places
May improve tolerance for family reunions
Can trigger sudden bursts of creativity
Warning: prolonged exposure may result in optimism

🤝 Playful Communities

Joy multiplies when shared. Communities and families that celebrate play—whether through neighborhood events, park gatherings, family reunions, or even a simple sit-down dinner—report higher resilience and stronger connections. Public health experts note that playful spaces reduce loneliness, encourage creativity, and build protective factors against depression. Translation: bingo night is basically group therapy with prizes.

Play isn’t frivolous—it’s functional. It reminds us that health isn’t only about diet or exercise—it’s about simple pleasures, belonging, delight, and the laughter that echoes across a dinner table. Sometimes, the best medicine is a round of charades where Grandpa insists on acting out a disco dance routine—arms wide, smile beaming, and everyone laughing because joy itself needs no explanation.

References

National Institutes of Health. Positive Emotions and Your Health. NIH News in Health. Published August 2015. Accessed November 26, 2025. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2015/08/positive-emotions-your-health
Mayo Clinic Staff. Stress relief from laughter? It’s no joke. Mayo Clinic. Published 2024. Accessed November 26, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456
American Psychological Association. Sharing positive emotions with a partner is good for health. Press release. Published October 30, 2025. Accessed November 26, 2025. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2025/10/sharing-positive-emotions-partner
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Social Connection. CDC. Published May 15, 2024. Accessed November 26, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/about/index.html

Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board