Laughter as Medicine: A 2025 Look at How Humor Therapy Affects Fibromyalgia Pain and Fatigue

Laughter may not cure chronic illness, but modern research confirms it’s one of the most accessible and effective tools we have for changing how we experience pain.

Originally Published: April 2013 | Last Updated: October 2025

For those of us with fibromyalgia, pain and fatigue often leave us feeling stressed and locked in a constant “fight-or-flight” mode. This is why a good, honest belly laugh is more than just a distraction—it’s a powerful, non-drug therapy that helps reset our over-sensitized nervous system.

Here’s a simplified, 2025 look at how humor therapy works its magic on fibromyalgia symptoms.

The Science of a Snicker: How Laughter Fights Fibro Symptoms

Laughter works on your body at the deepest level, directly counteracting the chronic stress and central nervous system hypersensitivity that define fibromyalgia.

1. Widespread Pain Relief

• Laughter's Action: A deep laugh acts as a natural painkiller, forcing your brain to release powerful chemicals that create a temporary shield against pain.

The Science: This is due to Endorphin Release. Genuine laughter triggers the release of endorphins and opioid peptides in the brain. These compounds bind to the same receptors targeted by prescription painkillers, helping to noticeably increase your pain tolerance.

2. Chronic Stress and Anxiety Reduction

• Laughter's Action: Laughter is a "reset button" for your nervous system, forcing your body to switch off the constant "fight-or-flight" panic mode and shift into rest-and-relax mode.

The Science: This is Vagus Nerve Activation. Laughter engages the Vagus Nerve (the communication highway between your brain, gut, and immune system). Stimulating this nerve calms the Parasympathetic Nervous System (the "rest and digest" side), which instantly reduces the levels of stress hormones like cortisol.

3. Muscle Stiffness and Tension

• Laughter's Action: A deep, hearty laugh is like a mini-massage. When you laugh, the muscles in your face and abdomen first contract, and then, immediately after the laugh is over, they experience deep, rapid relaxation.

The Science: This provides Physical Relaxation. The muscular contractions stimulate circulation, which aids in muscle relaxation, relieving the widespread tension that contributes to stiffness and physical discomfort.

4. Fibro Fog and Low Mood

• Laughter's Action: Laughter triggers the release of natural "happy chemicals," giving your mood and cognitive function an immediate, natural boost.

The Science: This is a Neurotransmitter Boost. Laughter stimulates the release of dopamine (pleasure/reward) and serotonin (mood regulation), which helps improve mental clarity, reduces the effects of "fibro fog," and combats the depression and loneliness often associated with chronic illness.

Practical Prescription: 3 Ways to Inject Humor into Your Day

You don't need a medical degree to prescribe yourself a daily dose of laughter. The key is to seek out genuine, spontaneous humor—not just fake smiles, which don't trigger the same chemical response.

1. The 10-Minute Comedy Break

Commit to watching or listening to something that makes you laugh out loud, for at least 10 minutes every day. The consistency is what matters for reducing chronic stress hormones.

• TV/Movies: Re-watch a favorite comedy show (like The Office, Parks and Rec, or a slapstick film). Nostalgia and predictability can be highly effective.

• Podcasts: Find a comedy podcast with hosts you genuinely enjoy. Listening while doing a gentle task, like washing dishes, is a great form of mindful distraction.

2. Social Laughter is Stronger Laughter

Research suggests that social laughter—laughing with others—is significantly more effective at releasing endorphins than laughing alone. This is because shared joy reinforces social bonds, which further lowers stress.

• Humor-Focused Groups: Join a private online support group that encourages meme-sharing or funny stories. 

• "Laughter Dates": Schedule a short phone or video call with a friend who makes you laugh the most.

3. Try Laughter Yoga (Hasya Yoga)

Laughter Yoga is an actual practice where participants start with voluntary, simulated laughter combined with deep breathing (like diaphragmatic exercises). The great thing is that simulated laughter often quickly turns into real, contagious laughter!

• Find a Class: Look for a local or virtual Laughter Yoga club.

• Practice Alone: Even 60 seconds of forced, hearty "Ho-ho-ha-ha-ha" breathing can help engage your diaphragm and trigger the positive cycle of nervous system regulation.

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My Takeaway: Don't Dismiss the Power of Joy

As someone with Fibromyalgia or other chronic pain, it’s easy to dismiss humor as a frivolous distraction when you're battling serious pain. But the science is clear: laughter is a legitimate, non-pharmacological tool for managing the central nervous system component of fibromyalgia.

It validates the idea that taking a moment to choose joy is not weakness—it is an active, powerful coping strategy. 

Don't let a bad day stop you from seeking that daily dose of laughter. Your brain and your body will thank you for it.

You might also be interested in reading Laughter is Good Medicine which includes links to Funny Fibro Memes on Pinterest

You might prefer to listen to Laugh with an audio: NPR Laughter Therapy: A Comedy Collection for the Chronically Serious

If you are looking for some humorous shows to get you your 10 minutes of laughter, or more, here are some great suggestions from our members at FIBRO CONNECT our private fibromyalgia Facebook group:

• Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray.
• The Office. (TV Show)
• What About Bob?: A 1991 movie directed by Frank Oz. With Bill Murray, and Richard Dreyfuss
• Mash (TV Show)
• Tropic Thunder a 2008  movie directed by Ben Stiller
• Overboard a 2018 remake rom/com with Anna Faris. 
• Frasier (American TV series)
• Scary Movie a spoof on all scary movies.
• Eurovision Song contest with Will Ferrell
• Mr Right with Anna Kendrick and Sam Rockwell.
• Caddy Shack for that goofy humor with Chevy Chase
• As Yet Untitled a TV panel show with Alan Davies
• 8 out of 10 Cats does Countdown for British humor in a game show hosted by Jimmy Carr
• Beverly Hills Cop a 1984 movie with Eddie Murphy.
• A Fish Called Wanda a 1988 movie written by John Cleese,
• Trading Places a 1983 movie with Dan Akroyd and Eddie Murphy.