Laughter and Play – The Mental Fitness Superfood
When was the last time you had a really good laugh? The kind that makes your stomach hurt, your eyes water, and your ears numb? Or the last time you let go of being “serious” and just played – no purpose, no agenda, just fun?
If it’s been a while, you’re not alone. As adults – especially in our busy professional lives—we often push play and laughter to the side-lines. But here’s the truth: laughter and play aren’t just feel-good moments. They’re essential ingredients for mental fitness. Think of them as a kind of psychological superfood – easy to access, instantly uplifting, and surprisingly good for your brain.
Psychologists and neuroscientists have long studied the effects of laughter and play on mental wellbeing, and the findings are pretty compelling. They show that engaging in playful moments and shared laughter does much more than lighten the mood – it actually rewires our brains to perform better, feel better, and connect better.
The Science-Backed Benefits of Laughter
When we laugh – especially with others—we’re not just enjoying the moment. We’re triggering a powerful surge of neurochemicals that can instantly shift our brain chemistry. It’s like giving your brain a boost of natural performance enhancers.
One of the key players in this chemical cocktail is oxytocin, often called the “bonding hormone.” Oxytocin helps us build trust and emotional closeness with others. It’s the same hormone released during childbirth, when mothers bond with their newborns, and during moments of intimacy and affection. In a professional setting, this can translate into stronger team cohesion, more trust among colleagues, and a greater sense of psychological safety.
Then there’s dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter tied to motivation, attention, and learning. Humour activates our brain’s reward system, flooding us with dopamine. This not only lifts our mood but also enhances memory retention and creative thinking. In fact, a study published in Advances in Cognitive Psychology found that participants who watched a funny video clip remembered more than twice as much information in a subsequent memory test compared to those who didn’t. That’s no small impact.
Laughter also reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, helping us feel calmer and more resilient. It’s no surprise that people who laugh more often tend to report higher levels of life satisfaction and better coping skills during tough times.
The Benefits of Play – It’s Not Just for Kids
Sure, play is essential for children’s development – but it doesn’t stop being important just because we’ve grown up. In fact, adults need play just as much, if not more, to stay mentally sharp, emotionally balanced, and socially connected. Whether it’s board games, beach cricket, doodling, dancing, or just goofing around with friends, play is a powerful (and often underrated) way to fuel our wellbeing.
Play injects joy into everyday life, helps us navigate stress, boosts brainpower, and brings us closer to the people around us. Even better, it can make work more creative, collaborative, and enjoyable.
Here’s how play supports your mental fitness:
1. Relieves Stress
First and foremost – play is fun. And when we’re having fun, our bodies naturally release endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that elevate mood and even reduce physical pain. A quick game, a laugh with a friend, or even a few minutes of playful movement can act as a mini reset for your nervous system, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
2. Boosts Brain Function
Play can be a serious workout for your brain. Think of puzzles, strategy games, or any playful activity that requires concentration and creativity. These not only challenge your thinking but help keep your memory sharp. What’s more, when play involves other people – whether it’s a lively debate over a card game or a silly conversation – it also supports emotional resilience and reduces the risk of depression.
3. Stimulates Creativity and Problem-Solving
Ever notice how the best ideas often come when you’re relaxed, not when you’re forcing them? That’s the magic of play. When we’re in a playful mindset, our brains are more open, flexible, and imaginative. This “creative looseness” makes it easier to learn new things, adapt to change, and think outside the box – skills that are essential in both life and leadership.
4. Strengthens Relationships and Social Bonds
Play brings people together. Whether it’s a shared joke, a playful challenge, or a spontaneous moment of fun, these experiences help build trust, empathy, and connection. And it’s not about what you do – it’s about how you show up. Being open to play makes you more approachable, helps break the ice, and can even deepen professional relationships by creating shared positive experiences.
5. Keeps You Energised and Youthful
Play isn’t just a mindset – it’s a vitality booster. As playwright George Bernard Shaw wisely said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” Play keeps your energy up, your immune system stronger, and your outlook lighter. It reminds us not to take everything so seriously – and that joy is a form of strength.
Bringing More Laughter and Play into Your Life
So now you know – laughter and play aren’t just light-hearted distractions; they’re foundational to mental fitness. They help regulate your emotions, strengthen your relationships, and supercharge your brain. But here’s the key: just like physical exercise, you need to practice play to truly benefit from it. That means making space for silliness, joy, and spontaneity in your routine – even when (or especially when) life feels serious.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few easy, feel-good ways to bring more laughter and play into your life:
Host a regular game night with friends or family – board games, card games, or even ridiculous trivia rounds.
Plan playful outings like bowling, karaoke, mini golf, or a pool competition – anything that gets you moving and laughing.
Head outdoors – spend time in the park or at the beach throwing a frisbee, kicking a ball, or flying a kite.
Play with a pet – puppies are natural comedians. Don’t have one? Visit a friend’s dog or volunteer at your local shelter.
Surround yourself with playful people – laughter is contagious, and the more fun others are having, the easier it is to join in.
Hang out with kids – they’re the masters of play. Let them lead the way and rediscover the joy of being silly and in the moment.
The truth is, you don’t need to be funny or sporty or particularly imaginative to bring more play and laughter into your life. You just need to be open to it. So, loosen up. Goof around. Laugh out loud. Your brain – and your wellbeing – will thank you.
Why Laughter and Play Belong in the Workplace
We often associate laughter and play with weekends, downtime, or childhood – but they’re just as valuable (arguably more so) in the workplace. In fact, organisations that encourage a light-hearted, play-positive culture often see stronger teamwork, greater innovation, and a noticeable lift in morale.
This isn’t about turning the office into a circus. It’s about giving people permission to bring their whole selves to work – to share a joke, take a playful approach to challenges, and experience moments of genuine joy and connection throughout the day.
Neuroscience shows that shared laughter and playful engagement help reduce stress hormones like cortisol while increasing the brain’s supply of feel-good chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin. These neurochemical shifts make people more open, resilient, focused, and collaborative.
So how does that translate into real workplace outcomes?
💼 The Benefits of Laughter and Play During the Workday:
✅ Boosts team cohesion 🤝 – Shared laughter builds trust, breaks down silos, and makes collaboration easier.
✅ Reduces stress and burnout 😌🔥 – Playful breaks or lighthearted interactions help regulate nervous systems, especially during high-pressure periods.
✅ Improves problem-solving and creativity 💡🎨 – A playful mindset opens the brain to new ideas and flexible thinking.
✅ Enhances communication 🗣️💬 – Play and humor create psychological safety, making it easier for people to speak up and share ideas.
✅ Builds resilience 💪🌱 – Play helps reframe challenges, reduce reactivity, and boost optimism in the face of setbacks.
✅ Increases engagement and job satisfaction 🎯😊 – When people are encouraged to be themselves at work, they feel more motivated and connected.
✅ Supports wellbeing culture 🧠💖 – Laughter and play send a message that joy and mental health matter—not just output and deadlines.
By weaving moments of lightness and laughter into the workday—whether through a running team joke, a spontaneous ping-pong match, or a creative brainstorming session—leaders can support both individual wellbeing and collective performance.
Bring More Laughter and Play Into Your Workday
Incorporating laughter and play into your daily routine isn’t just about having fun—it’s about creating a mentally fit and resilient workforce. At Get Mentally Fit, we help professionals unlock their full potential by bringing the power of play and joy into the workplace.
With insights from our Principal Psychologist Emily Johnson, you’ll discover how simple, playful moments can reduce stress, boost creativity, and strengthen team connections—leading to greater productivity and job satisfaction.
🎉 Ready to transform your workday with laughter and play? Let’s chat about how you can create a culture of wellbeing and performance. Get in touch today!
