March is National Mirth Month, and in a world that often feels heavy with headlines, that may be the best news of all.

“Mirth” means joyful laughter, amusement and light-hearted happiness.

It describes a feeling of cheerful delight that often shows itself in smiling, chuckling or laughing.

Simple definition:

Mirth = gladness expressed through laughter.

Examples:

• “The room filled with mirth when the comedian told her punchline.”

National Mirth Month is a month-long observance dedicated to laughter, humor and the healing power of joy. The word mirth itself means amusement, merriment, and gladness—something many of us could use a little more of as winter drags on and cabin fever sets in.

Why March?

March sits at the crossroads of seasons. Winter’s gray skies begin to give way to hints of spring. Spirits lift with longer daylight and warmer breezes. National Mirth Month encourages us to lean into that transition—to shake off the gloom and invite in a little levity.

It also builds toward April, which begins with April Fool’s Day. Think of March as the warm-up act for springtime silliness.

Laughter: More than just fun

Science backs up what we instinctively know: laughter is good medicine.

Studies show that laughter:

• Reduces stress hormones
• Lowers blood pressure
• Boosts immune function
• Improves mood
• Strengthens social bonds

When we laugh, our brains release endorphins, naturally feel-good chemicals that promote a sense of well-being. Even anticipating laughter can improve mood.

In hospitals and nursing homes, therapeutic humor programs have been shown to reduce anxiety and even help patients manage pain. For seniors—including those aging with disabilities or chronic conditions—laughter can be a powerful antidote to isolation and discouragement.

A prescription for tough times

Let’s be honest: The past few years have not exactly been lighthearted. Economic pressures, political divisions, health concerns and daily stresses weigh on many families.

National Mirth Month is not about ignoring serious issues. It’s about resilience.

Humor does not deny reality; it helps us endure it.

History is filled with examples of people using humor as survival. Soldiers in wartime, patients in hospital wards, families navigating hardship,  all have relied on shared laughter to restore perspective and maintain hope.

For those living with long-term health challenges, including survivors of diseases like polio and others who cope daily with physical limitations, mirth can be a quiet form of rebellion. It says: “I will not let hardship have the last word.”

How to celebrate National Mirth Month

Celebrating does not require confetti cannons or stand-up comedy tickets (though those are welcome). It can be simple:

• Watching a classic comedy
• Share a favorite joke
• Call a friend who always makes you laugh
• Attending a community improv show
• Read a humorous book
• Keep a “laughter journal” and note what amused you each day

Even smiling more intentionally can shift mood,   and moods are contagious. One person’s laughter in a room can ripple outward.

The social power of shared joy

Perhaps the greatest gift of mirth is connection. In a time when social media can divide and debate can harden into anger; shared laughter builds bridges.

You can disagree with someone politically and still laugh together at a funny story about a dog chasing its tail.

A gentle reminder

National Mirth Month is not about forced cheerfulness. It does not demand constant happiness. Rather, it invites us to notice moments of delight we might otherwise overlook,  the child’s unexpected comment, the absurdity of everyday mishaps, the warmth of inside jokes shared with old friends.

In March, as daylight grows and winter recedes, we are given permission to lighten up just a little.

So this March, seek out something that makes you laugh. Share it. Pass it along.

After all, in a world that often feels serious, a little silliness may be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Michael Kossove is professor emeritus at Tuoro University. He lives in Kauneonga Lake, NY, and writes health and humor columns (sometimes at the same time) for the River Reporter.