The Healing Power of Laughter: My Journey

The Long Road Back

Recovery from that kind of mental health crisis isn't linear. It's not a switch you flip. It's a thousand small decisions, made over and over, to choose differently than your brain's default setting.

I invested in therapy. I learned about nervous system regulation. I studied psychology (I have a degree from Manchester University, but lived experience taught me more). I discovered wellness practices—retreats, breathwork, movement, connection with other women.

And eventually, I found laughter yoga.

The First Time I Laughed Intentionally

I'll be honest—the first time someone suggested I try laughter yoga, I thought they were having me on. Laughing on purpose? Without jokes? It sounded ridiculous.

But I was desperate enough to try anything, so I showed up to a session. And something extraordinary happened.

For 20 minutes, I laughed. Not because anything was funny. Not because I felt happy. But because I chose to.

And by the end of those 20 minutes, something had shifted. My chest felt lighter. My jaw had unclenched. I felt... almost playful. A feeling I hadn't accessed in months.

That's when I understood: laughter isn't just a response to joy. It's a pathway to it.

The Science Backed Me Up

Being a psychology graduate, I needed to understand why this worked. So I researched. Turns out, when you laugh—even intentionally—your body:

• Reduces stress hormones like cortisol

• Releases endorphins (natural painkillers and mood boosters)

• Increases immune function

• Relaxes physical tension

• Shifts your nervous system out of fight-or-flight mode

  
  

Your brain can't tell the difference between "real" and "intentional" laughter. The physiological benefits are the same either way.

This wasn't woo-woo wellness nonsense. This was evidence-based, body-driven healing. And I was living proof it worked.

Building a Life Around Joy

Once I discovered laughter's power, I started bringing it into everything:

• In 2018, I founded MeTreat Retreats—a women's retreat company that has now hosted 17 retreats and won international awards. We always include laughter sessions because I've seen how transformative they are for busy, overwhelmed women.

  
  

• In 2020, during COVID lockdowns in Melbourne (and you know how brutal those were), my business partner Tanya and I created VITA VIBE Events and ran a free 9-day online health and wellbeing festival for frontline workers. Thousands of people from 30+ countries joined us. And guess what? Laughter sessions were the most popular.

  
  

• In 2023, I completed the La Trobe University Laughter, Resilience & Wellbeing Course under Ros Ben-Moshe (author of "Laughing at Cancer" and "The Laughter Effect"). I became a certified laughter wellness facilitator because I wanted to share this tool with as many people as possible.

  
  

And now? Now I run Laughing Life. Because I know—deeply, from lived experience—that laughter is medicine. Real, powerful, accessible medicine.

Why This Matters to You

Maybe you're reading this and thinking, "That's nice, Vikki, but I'm not depressed. I'm just... tired. Stressed. Going through the motions."

Here's what I want you to know: you don't have to be in crisis to benefit from laughter wellness.

You deserve to feel lighter. You deserve to access joy, even when life is hard. You deserve tools that actually work, not just platitudes about "choosing happiness." Laughter wellness isn't about pretending everything's fine. It's about giving your nervous system a break. It's about reconnecting with your body. It's about choosing, for a few minutes, to feel different.

The Benefits of Laughter Wellness

Laughter wellness can offer numerous benefits. Here are just a few:

Stress Relief

Laughter is a natural stress reliever. It helps lower cortisol levels, which can lead to a more relaxed state. When you laugh, you're giving your body a chance to unwind and let go of tension.

Improved Mood

Laughter releases endorphins, the body's feel-good chemicals. This can lead to an improved mood and a greater sense of well-being. It's a simple yet effective way to boost your spirits.

Enhanced Connection

Sharing laughter with others can strengthen bonds. It creates a sense of belonging and connection. Whether it's with friends, family, or colleagues, laughter can bring people closer together.

Increased Resilience

Laughter can help build resilience. It allows you to approach challenges with a lighter heart. When you can find humor in tough situations, you’re better equipped to handle them.

An Invitation

If any part of this story resonates with you—if you're tired of feeling heavy, or disconnected, or like you're running on empty—I'd love to invite you to try a laughter session.

You don't have to believe it will work. You don't have to feel happy. You just have to show up.

I promise: your body knows how to do the rest.

Book a Group Laughter Session or

Bring Laughter Wellness to Your Workplace

Because life really is brighter on the laughter side. And you're allowed to access that brightness, even on the hard days. Especially on the hard days.

With love and laughter,

Vikki