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When was the last time you laughed so hard you lost control?
Not the polite workplace chuckle. Not the “ha-ha-that’s-funny” text response.
I mean full-body, shoulders-shaking, snort-laughing, tears-in-your-eyes, I-might-pee-a-little laughter.

…Yeah.
If you can’t remember, you are exactly who this week is for.

In Week 5 of the 10-Week Recharge Challenge, we’re talking about one of the most overlooked, most physiologic, and most delightfully human tools we have against burnout and cellular stress:

👉 Laughter and play.

Yes, intentional laughter counts.
Yes, even if it feels weird.
Yes, even if your brain says, “I don’t have time for this—I have charts.”

This week, we explore:

Laughter is literal medicine

• Lowers cortisol
• Improves cardiac output, stroke volume, and oxygen delivery
• Supports immune function in conditions ranging from cancer recovery to rheumatoid arthritis
• Positively impacts mood, subjective well-being, and stress resilience

Your body doesn’t care if the laughter is “fake”

Laughter yoga—yes, it’s a real thing—has measurable health benefits even when your brain doesn’t think anything is funny. Your nervous system responds anyway.

Physicians who laugh the least get the most benefit

Studies show that the people who start out the most laughter-deprived have the biggest gains. (Hi, it’s us. We’re the people.)

This week’s challenge practice

Laugh or play—every day.
Two minutes is enough.
More if you want it.
Joy is a muscle.
We are training it.

Resources Mentioned

• Laughter Yoga Worldwide
• Instructional Laughter Yoga videos (check the VIP Challenge portal)
• The Gifts of Imperfection — Brené Brown
• Dr. Stuart Brown’s research on play
• Prior weeks of the Recharge Challenge: Yoga Nidra, Breathwork, Greens, Sleep
• Join the VIP Challenge for curated weekly support → healthierforgood.com

If you’re just finding the challenge now…

Start here.
Or go back to Episode 200 (Oct 28, 2025).
Or join the VIP Challenge and get every week’s tools laid out for you.

There’s no “behind” in this challenge.
There’s only today.
And today, my friend, we play.

Let's Connect

Need more support? Schedule a coaching consultation at https://calendly.com/healthierforgood/coaching-discovery-call

Connect with us:

• Website: healthierforgood.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @meganmelomd

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share with a colleague who might benefit!

Support the show

To learn more about my coaching practice and group offerings, head over to www.healthierforgood.com. I help Physicians and Allied Health Professional women to let go of toxic perfectionist and people-pleasing habits that leave them frustrated and exhausted. If you are ready to learn skills that help you set boundaries and prioritize yourself, without becoming a cynical a-hole, come work with me.

Want to contact me directly?
Email: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram!
@MeganMeloMD