Combating Anxiety with Humor: Laughing Through the Storm

Let’s get one thing straight: anxiety is a relentless, sneaky little monster. It doesn’t knock politely or wait its turn. It barges in, tracks muddy footprints across your mental carpet, and plants itself on the couch with no intention of leaving. Sometimes it whispers quietly, barely noticeable but still unsettling. Other times, it yells so loudly that even a room full of corgis can’t drown it out—and believe me, my corgis are loud.

Over the years—and through a good mix of therapy, prayer, and a whole lot of trial and error—I’ve learned that one of the most effective tools in managing anxiety isn’t always mindfulness, breathing techniques, or even medication (though all of those have their place). It’s humor. Simple, silly, unexpected, eye-roll-inducing laughter.

When I catch myself spiraling into that familiar hole of “what-ifs,” I try to pause and reframe. I imagine my anxiety as an over-the-top drama queen wearing a glitter cape, flailing around while shouting, “EVERYTHING IS ON FIRE!” Meanwhile, my logical brain stands nearby with a fire extinguisher and a cup of chamomile tea, sighing, “It’s literally just toast burning.”

That image alone usually makes me laugh. And in that moment, that laugh becomes a tiny victory. A reminder that anxiety may be persistent, but it doesn’t always deserve the microphone.

There’s science behind this, too. Laughter lowers stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. It boosts endorphins—the same feel-good chemicals that kick in after exercise or a good cry. It improves circulation and helps relax the muscles. In short, laughter doesn’t just feel good. It is good. Biologically. Emotionally. Mentally.

So when I feel overwhelmed, I don’t always reach for a deep, philosophical quote. Sometimes I reach for a meme. Or a ridiculous animal video. Or I imagine Winston, my dramatic corgi, filing an HR complaint because I had the audacity to close the bathroom door without his permission.

Because let’s be honest—life is heavy. There are bills to pay, health scares to face, heartbreaks to endure, and deadlines that never seem to end. Humor doesn’t erase those things. But it gives us space. It puts a crack in the weight and lets a little light seep through.

I’ve had the privilege of standing on stages and in classrooms, speaking to students and professionals about mental health, resilience, and self-care. And one thing I’ve said over and over again is this: you can’t always out think anxiety. But sometimes, you can out-laugh it.

So here’s your permission slip for the day: laugh. At something dumb. At something mildly inappropriate. At something so absurd that you’re embarrassed to admit it cracked you up. Send that meme to your best friend. Watch that TikTok three times. Name your anxiety. Give it a voice. Imagine it in Crocs and a fanny pack, whining about oat milk lattes and yelling at clouds. Interrupt your fear with laughter.

Because life is short. Anxiety is persistent. And humor is still free.

Anxiety will probably always be part of my story. But so will sarcasm. So will joy. So will late-night giggle fits, absurd conversations with my corgis, and moments where I laugh so hard I cry. If I have to weather the storm—and I do—I’d rather do it with a smile on my face and four judgmental corgis watching from the couch like I’ve completely lost it.

So go ahead. Laugh a little. It won’t make your problems disappear, but it will remind you that you’re still here. Still fighting. Still finding joy in the middle of the mess.

And that, my friend, is worth celebrating.

With heart and humor,
Dr. Nick