Laughter Is the Best Medicine: Why It Matters So Much in Perimenopause

When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? In this episode, Roberta explores why laughter isn’t just something that “feels nice” — it has measurable effects on your stress hormones, nervous system, and emotional wellbeing. And during perimenopause, when life often feels heavier and your resilience drops, laughter becomes even more powerful.Drawing on real moments from her Pilates classes (including giggle fits, seal noises, and the one client who can’t stop laughing during relaxation), Roberta explains how humour plays a vital role in helping women reconnect, release tension, and feel lighter — even when symptoms like low mood, fatigue, anxiety, or overwhelm are at play.You’ll also hear how hormonal changes during perimenopause affect cortisol, inflammation, sleep, brain fog, and emotional regulation — and why laughter literally counteracts many of these changes.In this episode, you’ll learn:How laughter lowers cortisol and reduces the stress responseWhy perimenopause makes everything feel heavier — and how laughter cuts through itThe link between humour, connection, oxytocin, and emotional safetyHow shared laughter improves mood, cognition, and tension in the bodyPractical ways to bring more fun and silliness back into midlifeWhy adults laugh far less than children, and why that needs to changeReal examples from Pilates classes that show how movement + humour support mental wellbeingThis episode is perfect for anyone who feels overstretched, disconnected, or stuck in a cycle of stress and seriousness. A few moments of laughter won’t fix everything — but it gives your nervous system a break, tips a little water out of your stress bucket, and helps you feel more like yourself again.Support Mentioned in This EpisodeIf your stress feels constant or you’re struggling to lift your mood:Local Pilates classes for movement, connection, and a good giggleMenopause MOT for personalised supportCONTROL sessions for subconscious patterns that feed stress and overwhelmSend us Fan Mailwww.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.ukFree Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watchSupporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools.Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.