It’s such a beautiful thing to be able to laugh out loud—especially when you haven’t felt that easy, deep laughter in a long time. There’s something almost medicinal about it. Laughter has the power to lift us out of our troubles, even if only for a moment, and bring us back to a state of lightness and joy. If it’s been a while since you had one of those true, unstoppable laughs, it may be worth exploring why and how to invite laughter back into your life.

The Quiet Weight of a Laughter-Less Life

When we haven’t laughed in a long time, life can start to feel a bit heavier, like there’s an invisible weight that we’re carrying. Days pass in routine; responsibilities pile up, and even when there’s a break, the habit of guardedness or seriousness can stay with us. It’s easy to feel like laughter is an indulgence we have to earn or that it requires some perfect, carefree setting to make it happen. But really, laughter is a natural release and a reminder of our own humanity and resilience.

The absence of laughter isn’t always a sign that something is deeply wrong. Life simply gets serious, sometimes because of responsibilities, heartbreak, or just the natural ebb and flow of our moods. But when we go too long without it, we might forget just how healing and rejuvenating it is to laugh—to really, unapologetically laugh. Laughter serves as a reminder that joy isn’t reserved for a select few moments; it’s there, waiting for us, in unexpected places.

The Science of Laughing It Out

Laughter isn’t just a nice momentary release; it’s a potent tonic for the body and mind. Scientifically, laughter releases endorphins—our body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals—that help alleviate stress, reduce physical tension, and boost our mood. It activates our body’s “rest and digest” system, counteracting the fight-or-flight response that can sometimes dominate our nervous system when we’re stressed. This explains why even just one good laugh can make us feel a bit lighter, more relaxed, and even a little stronger.

Research has also shown that laughing together with others strengthens relationships, deepens bonds, and builds trust. It’s a universal connector, a way to feel understood, seen, and united with others. For people who feel isolated or lonely, sharing a laugh can sometimes be as meaningful as a heartfelt conversation or a hug.

Inviting Laughter Back into Your Life

When you realize it’s been a while since you last laughed, it’s a sign that maybe a little dose of levity is overdue. Inviting laughter back in doesn’t mean you have to force it or expect a total shift in your mood. Start small, creating little pockets in your day that might allow for a smile or a chuckle.

Maybe that means rewatching a favorite comedy that never fails to amuse, spending time with people who have a great sense of humor, or even browsing a few funny videos or memes that make you giggle. Sometimes, surrounding yourself with laughter—even if you don’t feel ready to laugh yourself—can help lighten the weight you’re carrying.

If it feels too forced to laugh on demand, let yourself start by smiling at things that bring a little joy. Smiling actually activates similar muscles and can even trick your brain into feeling more positive. Before long, you might find that your chuckles evolve into those deeper, belly laughs that feel so satisfying.

Embracing the Little Moments of Joy

Laughter doesn’t always have to come from a joke or a funny movie; sometimes, it’s found in life’s simplest, most unexpected moments. It can be the realization of something silly you did, a funny coincidence, or just the absurdity of a situation. Kids, pets, and nature can often inspire these kinds of light-hearted moments—they invite us to see the world through a lens that’s playful and unencumbered by expectations. Sometimes, simply embracing the world around you, without judgment, can open you up to the kind of lightness that leads to laughter.

Rediscovering Your Sense of Humor

The beauty of laughter is that it’s resilient. Even after long periods of stress or sadness, it never fully disappears. Rediscovering your sense of humor is often about letting go of whatever has been holding you back—whether that’s tension, fear, or a belief that laughter is only for “the good times.” True humor finds us when we are most human. It lets us be imperfect, makes fun of our flaws in a gentle way, and reminds us not to take life too seriously.

Remember, too, that laughing doesn’t make light of any hardships you might be facing. It doesn’t mean your struggles aren’t real or that you’re avoiding them. Instead, laughter is a signal of your resilience, your ability to find hope and happiness even in the smallest moments.

When the Laughter Finally Comes

There’s something deeply healing about that first genuine laugh after a long time without it. When it finally bubbles up, it’s as if the layers of stress, worry, and seriousness crack open just a little. And in that moment, you’re free—free to feel light, to feel like yourself, and to embrace the joy that’s always been within you.

So, if it’s been a while since you laughed, know that laughter is still there, ready to return whenever you’re ready to invite it in. It may take a little time, or it might come suddenly in a surprising moment. But when it does, let it wash over you, let it lift you, and let it remind you of the joy that’s always available to you, just waiting to be rediscovered.