I hear the words “laughter is the best medicine” spoken by a man behind me as he waits to scan his groceries. I’m not sure how much healthier I am, but I find it easier to laugh at myself first while picking up my chaotically dumped-over purse. Thankfully, I didn’t have to pick up massive amounts of coins, just a lot of pens. I’m not sure if it was his intended outcome, but his words made me laugh again.

I’ve heard of different studies regarding laughter and health, but I’m not sure if laughing at my own expense will increase my lifespan or make me look crazy. Perhaps it is a little bit of both.

The origin of the saying is attributed to Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart doeth good like medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Though there are various translations of the biblical verse, the general interpretation is similar in meaning. A cheerful attitude is good for health, while a gloomy one can dry out the spirit. Scientific studies also focus on laughter to aid with office morale, grief therapy and depression.

According to various studies through the Mayo Clinic, the National Health Institute, and PLOS ONE, laughter does make people healthier. Laughing can help decrease the cortisol and epinephrine stress hormones. The simple act of happy laughter can help counteract those hormones’ role in anxiety, depression and even insomnia.

There are other reasons people laugh that may not produce the desired results. Interestingly enough, when someone laughs at another’s expense, the opposite results may occur, with anger and stress levels rising in both the person laughing and the recipient. There are also medical reasons why some people may laugh uncontrollably.

I still laugh in the most inappropriate circumstances. Mostly, it’s a spontaneous reaction to stress. Being able to laugh at myself or my circumstances helps me deal with whatever issues are happening around me. Unfortunately, my timing isn’t perfect. There are plenty of times I have to explain myself and apologize, most recently at a funeral.

It is welcoming to understand that there is science behind laughing and happiness. It’s sometimes a journey to get there. I hope you all can find those laugh-filled moments, even if you have to force yourself to do it.