The Science of Laughter

Laughter is one of the most powerful—and underused—ways to fight our brain’s natural negativity bias. Hardwired to scan for threats, our brains tend to hold onto negative experiences more than positive ones. But laughter disrupts that cycle. It creates joy, shifts perspective, and helps us return to a more balanced, resilient state.

And neuroscience confirms it’s not just a momentary lift—it’s a biological shift.

When you laugh, your brain releases a neurochemical blend: endorphins that reduce pain and increase pleasure, oxytocin that deepens connection, and dopamine, which fuels motivation and reward. Interestingly, dopamine is more about anticipation than pure pleasure—it primes your brain to seek more of what feels good. That’s why even the expectation of laughter can start to lift your mood.

This positive “chemical cascade” doesn’t just vanish when the laughter stops. According to research in affective neuroscience, the ripple effect of positive emotions can last for hours, influencing creativity, problem-solving, and how we relate to others. Laughter helps us shift our state—and often, our relationships too.

That’s because laughter is deeply social. When we laugh with others, our brains light up in the amygdala and hippocampus—regions tied to emotional memory. We’re more likely to remember not just the joke, but the person we shared it with. This is why laughter builds connection and deepens trust.

Which brings us to work. Gallup research shows that having a “best friend at work” is one of the strongest predictors of engagement, productivity, and retention. These relationships often begin with shared humor. And laughter can happen in many small ways—swapping a funny meme in a group chat, sharing a quick story before a meeting, or finding a moment to laugh together in the middle of a busy day.

Outside of work, one of my favorite laughter rituals is watching a comedy show or movie with my wife. Once she starts laughing, it’s contagious—I end up laughing at the comedy, but also at the joy of the moment. Laughter becomes the glue, and the memory.

Laughter is more than a reaction. It’s a resilience tool, a connector, and a memory-maker—especially during times of stress, change, or uncertainty.

As Ellen DeGeneres said,
"Most people think laughter is about escaping reality. It’s not. It’s about expanding it."

So find your moment. Laugh more often. Connect more deeply. And let a little humor do a lot of good.