The impact of anxiety and laughter in our life
Anxiety is a silent force that often takes control of our lives, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and isolated. It affects us all—one in nine people globally experiences some form of anxiety disorder, and its impact is not just psychological but also physical. According to psychologists M. Craske & M. Stein (2016), anxiety is a health condition that disrupts our entire system. It’s not just a feeling; it’s an overwhelming experience that can affect everything from our mind and body to our emotions and behaviours. From panic attacks to social anxiety to generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety disorders are common and can severely interfere with daily life.
As Brene Brown, a renowned researcher on emotions, succinctly puts it, “Anxiety is like escalating loss of control, worst-case-scenario thinking and imagery, and total uncertainty.” Anxiety isn’t just about worrying; it’s about losing the ability to control the thoughts and physical sensations that flood us when stress takes over.
When anxiety strikes, it doesn’t just affect our thoughts—it begins with our body. Our sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the fight-or-flight response, gets triggered. This leads to common physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate, shallow breathing, sweating, headaches, trembling, or a feeling of tightness in the chest. These responses are the body’s way of reacting to perceived danger, real or imagined.
As the body reacts, the mind starts to engage, often increasing the situation by focusing on the threat or danger. It might feel like the worry just keeps spiralling. Racing thoughts, a foggy brain, indecision, obsessive thinking, intrusive thoughts, or even a sense of dread may occur. The brain interprets these physical sensations in a way that feeds the cycle of anxiety, creating a feedback loop that becomes harder to break.
Then come the emotional responses. Fear, nervousness, apprehension, anger, irritability, or a sense of being overwhelmed take over. These emotions are signals from the brain telling us that something is wrong, unsafe, or needs attention. At this point, the emotional and physical responses start to blend, making it difficult to find peace.
Finally, anxiety leads to behaviours aimed at trying to cope or escape. This could be avoidance—steering clear of the feared situation—or more passive behaviours like seeking reassurance, isolating oneself socially, overworking, engaging in nervous habits, or compulsively performing rituals. These actions are usually attempts to reduce the discomfort that anxiety creates. We may also experience insomnia or a deep reluctance to face the situation head-on. But in reality, these behaviours only serve to reinforce the anxiety rather than resolve it.
As anxiety spreads through the body and mind, it disrupts the entire system, leaving it unbalanced. This imbalance has far-reaching consequences, especially in our relationships. When anxiety takes hold, it doesn’t just affect us—it can affect our loved ones, especially children. Our children may internalize the anxiety, thinking it’s their fault that a parent is anxious, or they may withdraw from us, creating emotional distance in families. It’s important to recognize that the effects of anxiety aren’t isolated to just ourselves—they ripple through every relationship in our lives.
From my own experience with anxiety, I can tell you this: It’s OK to be anxious. It’s a part of the human experience, and it doesn’t make you weak or incapable. Think of it as a station in your life—a place where you pause, take a breath, and re-evaluate who you are. Anxiety is an opportunity to look inward and reflect on what’s really going on inside you. It’s a chance to embrace the negativity that comes with it, accept it as part of your journey, and move on. It sounds easier said than done, but with time, it becomes a powerful tool for growth.
How often do we forget who we are, especially when we get lost in the daily hustle and worries? We are human beings with our own needs, and we deserve to feel all emotions—happiness, sadness, anger, and even fear. It's important not to feel embarrassed about your feelings. Feeling your feelings means you're alive. It’s OK to feel anxious, sad, angry, or frustrated—it’s all part of being human. Stand tall for who you are. There is no such thing as perfection, and no one has the right to judge your emotions or experiences.
Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself as you would your best friend. Smile at yourself in the mirror, acknowledge your emotions, and practice laughter.
According to Aristotle, laughter serves as a natural response to the silliness of life. He believed humour could help people deal with difficult situations by offering a light hearted perspective. Aristotle saw humour not only as a coping mechanism but also as a means of social bonding, helping people to connect and make life more bearable.
Freud, too, recognized the power of laughter, suggesting that it could improve negative emotional behaviours and foster positive emotional shifts. More recently, laughter interventions, such as laughter yoga and humour therapy, have been studied for their effects on mental health. In a study by psychologist A. Olympiou (2024), laughter interventions were found to significantly improve psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression, while also enhancing overall quality of life.
Laughter doesn’t just lift the mood—it can actually help to reset the emotional system, reduce the intensity of anxiety, and promote a sense of connection to others. Whether it’s a simple laugh, a hearty chuckle, or participating in laughter yoga, engaging in laughter can release pent-up tension and promote well-being.
Anxiety is an inevitable part of life, but it doesn’t have to define us. By understanding the deep connection between our mind, body, emotions, and behaviour, we can begin to break the cycle of anxiety. Start by accepting your anxiety, not as something to be ashamed of, but as a part of your human experience. Take this moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Embrace the feelings that arise and allow them to guide you towards self-discovery.
And remember, laughter is a powerful tool for healing. It helps release tension, improves mood, and strengthens social bonds. So, when anxiety strikes, don't be afraid to laugh—it's one of the most natural ways to restore balance to your system. Treat yourself with kindness, smile more, and laugh often. You deserve it.
