Laughter, Light, and Mental Health

 The first day of May marks World Laughter Day, a celebration of the healing power of laughter. At the same time, May also launches Mental Health Awareness Month, a critical time to spotlight the emotional needs of our school communities - especially at a time when come of our school counselors are being pulled away to be Assessment Coordinators.

For school counselors, this convergence of laughter and mental health offers a beautiful opportunity: to remind students that while mental health work is serious, it can also be lighthearted, hope-filled, and yes—even joyful.

Why Laughter Matters for Mental Health

Research consistently shows that laughter can:

• Reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and boost serotonin and endorphins
• Strengthen social bonds and build connection
• Improve immune function and resilience
• Offer a healthy outlet for emotional regulation
• 
  

In a school setting, incorporating moments of laughter isn’t just a "nice extra"—it’s a powerful tool for emotional wellness, relationship building, and even academic engagement.

Practical Ways School Counselors Can Celebrate

Here are a few easy ways to weave laughter and lightness into your counseling program this May:

1. Host a "Laugh Break"

Organize a short 5-10 minute event during lunch or morning announcements where students (and staff!) can share appropriate jokes, funny stories, or watch a quick comedy clip. Make it inclusive, making sure students of all backgrounds feel safe to participate.

2. Create a "Wall of Joy"

Designate a bulletin board or hallway space where students can anonymously post something that made them laugh recently—funny moments, jokes, kind pranks, or silly pet pictures. This not only uplifts spirits but also normalizes talking about emotions in a positive way.

3. Laughter Yoga or Deep Breathing Sessions

Laughter yoga, a combination of deep breathing and intentional laughter, can be a wonderful way to kick off Mental Health Awareness Month. Even a few minutes of guided breathing followed by light laughter can reset emotional energy in your school.

4. Laughing Journals

In small groups or individual counseling sessions, have students create a "Laughing Journal"—a space where they jot down funny memories, cartoons, quotes, or doodles that bring a smile to their face. Over time, this becomes a personal resilience tool they can return to during tougher days.

The Deeper Message: Mental Health Isn’t Only About Struggle

Mental Health Awareness Month often rightly addresses anxiety, depression, and trauma. However, part of healing and thriving is recognizing the positive emotions that sustain us—joy, hope, connection, gratitude, and laughter. By starting the month with laughter, you can set a powerful tone: Mental health support isn’t just about surviving hard days; it’s about embracing good ones, too.

A Word for Counselors: Don’t Forget Your Own Laughter

School counselors often carry invisible burdens—worry for students, emotional exhaustion, systemic frustrations. As we encourage our students to find moments of laughter and joy, we must allow ourselves the same grace.

This May, carve out moments for your own laughter. Whether it’s a funny video, a dinner with friends, or a silly memory you treasure, give yourself permission to experience the healing gift of laughter. Because your mental health matters, too.

Closing Thought

"A day without laughter is a day wasted."
— Charlie Chaplin

This May, let's make sure not a single day is wasted. Let’s fill our schools—and our own hearts—with laughter, light, and the enduring message that mental health is about living well, not just surviving.



Happy World Laughter Day, and Happy Mental Health Awareness Month!