Scientists Explain Why Laughter Is Good For The Brain

• 13.10.2026, 17:10

Even a brief pause to laugh at something funny can reduce stress levels.

Even a short humorous video can reduce stress and improve concentration. This is the conclusion reached by Japanese researchers who studied the effects of laughter on middle-aged adults, according to Psychology Today.

The experiment involved 25 healthy volunteers aged 40 to 65. One group was shown a four-minute comedy clip, while the other was shown a neutral video. Afterward, the researchers measured the participants’ physiological indicators and assessed their psychological state.

Those who watched the humorous video showed increased activity in the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s relaxation, and their levels of psychological stress decreased. The participants also reported an improvement in their mood.

“Even a short comedy clip can help reduce stress and improve concentration,” the study authors conclude.

Previously, scientists had primarily studied the effects of longer videos and focused on people over 65. The new study shows that a noticeable effect is possible even after just a few minutes of viewing.

The researchers note that laughter can serve as an accessible complement to other stress-management techniques. It requires no special equipment or medication, and humor helps not only to relax but also to cope more easily with everyday tasks.

However, the study was small, so further research is needed to confirm the results. Nevertheless, even a brief pause to watch something funny can be a simple way to improve your well-being a little.