A natural antidote: being joyful has concrete and measurable effects on the body.
Every August 1st, World Joy Day is celebrated, a date that invites us to consider this emotion not as a fleeting mood but as a genuine resource for mental and physical health.
The date was proposed in 2010 by Alfonso Becerra, a Colombian cultural manager, with the idea of creating a pause amidst negative news and fast-paced life, and promoting reflection on the value of joy as a tool for individual and collective well-being.
Although it is not an official date for international organizations such as the UN, it has been disseminated to multiple countries, and increasingly, people, educational institutions, therapeutic spaces, and communities are using it as an excuse to promote activities that encourage laughter, play, art, and social connection.
In his time, Freud gave humor a prominent place, both in theory and clinical practice. The father of psychoanalysis believed that laughter can release negative energy repressed by the unconscious, allowing it to be replaced with positive thoughts and a sense of emotional relief. Although he did not lead laughter sessions or prescribe laughter therapy, as it is understood today, he did support the idea that laughter is useful for releasing emotional blockages and promoting mental well-being.
In his work "The Joke and Its Relation to the Unconscious" (1905), Freud analyzed humor as a mechanism of the unconscious that releases repressed tensions and generates psychological pleasure by allowing the forbidden or censored to be expressed. For him, laughter represented a "psychic catharsis" that cleared accumulated emotions, promoting internal transformation.
In the second half of the 20th century, laughter therapy began to establish itself as a technique with its own identity
One of the pioneers in this field was American physician Hunter "Patch" Adams, who in the 1970s proposed incorporating humor and laughter into hospital settings as part of comprehensive patient care. His approach broke the rigidity of the traditional medical model and demonstrated how good mood could have positive effects on the immune system, blood pressure, and emotional recovery. Since then, multiple scientific studies and clinical experiences have supported its use in hospitals, group therapies, businesses, and schools.
Today, laughter therapy is a globally recognized tool and, although it doesn't replace medical treatment, it is considered an excellent resource in times when stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue are becoming increasingly common. This is where joy plays a key role that science and psychology no longer underestimate.
Far from being a luxury or a whim, joy has concrete and measurable effects on the body: the brain releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, neurotransmitters that reduce pain, improve mood, and strengthen the immune system. It also lowers cortisol level, the stress hormone, and stabilizes blood pressure. This emotion is also part of therapies actively used in clinical settings. According to data from the University of Oxford, a group laughter session can raise endorphin levels by up to 27% and significantly reduce perceived stress.
How is a laughter therapy session conducted?
A typical session begins with breathing and relaxation exercises to build group trust. Theatrical games, music therapy, simple body movements, and simulated laughter are included, which often develop into genuine laughter within a few minutes. Dynamics involving music, mirrors, balloons, or costumes are also used to encourage spontaneity and break the ice.
In patients with chronic illnesses or motor difficulties, these practices have been observed to improve mood, improve treatment adherence, and reduce the perception of pain. An hour of group laughter can accomplish more than many individual stimuli: it strengthens bonds, improves self-esteem, and leaves positive effects lasting several days, especially in cancer patients, the elderly, or those recovering from trauma.
According to the WHO, approaches that promote emotional well-being reduce symptoms of depressive disorders by 20 to 30% when combined with conventional treatment. A study published in Psychological Bulletin states that people who frequently experience joy sleep better, have more stable blood pressure, and recover faster from illnesses. This confirms what many professionals already maintain: joy, far from being trivial, is a powerful ally in the processes of physical and emotional recovery.
On this day, let's remember that joy is neither superficial nor useless. Feeling good has a direct impact on health and quality of life. Taking advantage of this date to reflect on how to incorporate more positive moments into your daily life, starting with the simplest things, such as sharing a conversation, listening to music, or engaging in an activity that brings pleasure, can be a real and accessible way to maintain your overall well-being. al.
