3 Tips for More Laughter and Less Stress
August 10, 2026
A smile may be contagious, but there is nothing like a good laugh to spread joy across a whole room. We do not even have to hear the whole joke. Sometimes, simply hearing someone giggle is enough to make us smile too.
There is actually science behind that. Our brains are highly responsive to the emotions of the people around us, which is one reason laughter, smiles, and positive energy can spread so quickly through a group.
Children laugh constantly. Adults? Not so much. Somewhere along the way, we start acting as if growing up means getting serious. Of course, focus matters, but so does knowing when to lighten up, be playful, and not take ourselves quite so seriously. Laughter helps us feel younger, more connected, and healthier in both body and mind.
So, how can we bring a little more laughter into our everyday lives? Here are 3 simple ways to start.
A simple smile can lift your mood faster than you think. Try smiling at someone you pass on the street, a colleague in the hallway, or the barista making your morning coffee. Notice what happens when they smile back. Chances are, you’ll feel a little lighter too.
There’s some science behind that. Smiling can send feedback to the brain that reinforces a more positive emotional state, and seeing someone else smile can trigger a similar response in us.
Here’s another fun trick: people can actually hear a smile in your voice, even when they can’t see you. Try smiling during your next phone call and listen to how your tone changes.
The best part? You can use this little mood boost anytime, anywhere, and it’s completely free.
If you want, I can also make the science line a little more specific, for example by mentioning facial feedback or emotional contagion.
You do not need to put a lampshade on your head and dance around to have more fun, although no judgment if you do. 😄 Sometimes, simply saying yes to something new is enough to shake up your routine and create fresh energy.
Novel experiences stimulate the brain, spark curiosity, and can help us feel more engaged and alive. They also give us more chances to connect with others, and shared laughter is one of the fastest ways to strengthen relationships, at work and in life.
Try recruiting a few friends for karaoke, signing up for an escape room, planning a board game night, or organizing a scavenger hunt. At work, it could be as simple as trying a new team activity, changing the format of a meeting, or doing something playful together after a busy week.
Those slightly silly, unexpected moments often become the stories we remember most. And if you are still laughing about them years later, even better.
One wonderful thing about the internet is that it gives us an endless supply of reasons to laugh. From cat videos and stand-up clips to classic comedy sketches and ridiculous home videos, there is always something waiting to lighten the mood.
Create your own little laughter library. Bookmark a few comedians, channels, or accounts you enjoy so you can find them easily after a long day. Ask friends, coworkers, or family members to send you the things that make them laugh. You could even start a group chat devoted entirely to funny content. At work, a well-timed meme or lighthearted moment can also help relieve tension and strengthen connection, as long as it fits the culture and the moment.
There is science behind this too. Laughter can help reduce stress hormones such as cortisol while activating feel-good responses in the brain. Even a few minutes of genuine laughter can help shift your state and give your mind a break from whatever has been weighing on you.
So go ahead, schedule a little more laughter into your day. Your nervous system may thank you for it.
Smiling and laughing more are simple ways to boost our happiness, strengthen connection, and give our minds and bodies a healthy break from stress.
If you’d like to go further, explore my book 21 Days to Happiness, available in French and English in multiple formats. Day 3 focuses specifically on laughter and how it can help us feel happier, healthier, and more connected.
For organizations, our Happiness at Work conference and KCC Wellness Collection offer practical, interactive ways to help teams build healthier habits, strengthen well-being, and bring more positive energy into the workplace.
Can you create 3 moments of laughter this week?
☐ Share something funny with a friend or colleague
☐ Watch a comedy clip or comedian you love
☐ Try something playful or new
☐ Smile during your next phone call
☐ Start a funny group chat or meme exchange
☐ Notice what makes you laugh naturally and do more of it
Small moments count. A little more laughter can make a surprisingly big difference in how we feel, connect, and move through the day.
