Ros Ben-Moshe is one of Australia’s leading laughter and positivity experts. Her transformative work has touched the lives of many across the globe. With a rich background spanning over two decades in health promotion, positive psychology, and laughter for wellbeing, Ben-Moshe’s approach to wellness is both unique and deeply impactful. Her journey, marked by a personal battle with cancer, not only tested her beliefs but also deepened her commitment to spreading joy and laughter as essential tools for overcoming life’s challenges.
Ben-Moshe’s international bestseller, The Laughter Effect – How to Build Joy, Positivity, and Resilience in Your Life, offers a roadmap to harnessing the power of laughter for a happier, more resilient life. Beyond the pages of her book, Ben-Moshe has contributed to the field through her engaging workshops, insightful meditations, and popular laughter wellness programs. Her work, featured on platforms like ABC Radio and in numerous well-being articles, underscores the science-backed benefits of laughter and positivity on mental and physical health.
For more about Ben-Moshe and her mission to spread laughter and positivity, visit her website, ros-benmoshe.com, and follow her on YouTube for uplifting content and laughter-filled moments.
1) What inspired you to write The Laughter Effect, and how has your personal journey influenced your passion for this work?
My journey into the world of laughter and well-being wasn’t straightforward. Initially, I was entrenched in the corporate world, where, despite being proficient, I felt unfulfilled. This period of my life took a significant turn when I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome in my early 20s. The condition disrupted my career plans and pushed me towards alternative and complementary medicines. This exploration led me to research and write about food as medicine, reflecting my personal battle with food allergies and intolerances. Although my early attempt to publish a vegetarian recipe book was met with rejection, it was a steppingstone toward a deeper engagement with health promotion and well-being.
The real turning point came when I volunteered at a World Health Organization, health promotion conference in Melbourne. Amidst sessions on various health topics, a 30-minute Laughter Yoga session captured my attention and fundamentally changed my perspective. This experience, combined with my academic pursuits in health promotion and public health, solidified my belief in laughter’s therapeutic potential. I became a Laughter Yoga facilitator, passionately advocating for laughter as a vital component of mental and physical well-being.
However, my conviction was put to the test when I received a colon cancer diagnosis. This challenge forced me to confront the reality of my principles under the shadow of a life-threatening condition. During a particularly dark moment in the hospital, unable to laugh due to the physical pain and the emotional toll of my situation, I discovered the power of gratitude. This realization, that I could tap into inherent healing energy (which is within all of us), became a cornerstone of my recovery and further work.
This experience, my ‘year of healing,’ allowed me to practice and truly understand the depth of my research and advocacy. I learned that preaching about positive mental health is one thing, but practicing it—especially in the face of adversity—is where the true transformation occurs. With all its ups and downs, this journey inspired me to write Laughing at Cancer – How to Heal with Love, Laughter and Mindfulness, embodying my belief in laughter’s role in enhancing life, even during its most challenging moments.
2) In your latest book, The Laughter Effect you explore in detail how laughter is a natural and innate behavior. Could you elaborate on the science behind why we laugh, and why it benefits us both psychologically and physiologically?
Laughter has been a cornerstone of connection and healing throughout history, from indigenous tribes and biblical times to medieval courts with their jesters. It’s one of our first and most innate ways to bond, especially significant for babies in forming early connections with caregivers. Interestingly, laughter remains one of the last faculties to fade, even in conditions like dementia, indicating its deep-rooted place in our human experience.
Physiologically, laughter is akin to a mini workout. It’s inherently aerobic, demanding breath and activating multiple systems in our body. It boosts blood oxygenation and circulation. Laughter initially raises blood pressure but then lowers it, reducing stress and stimulating our immune system through increased lymphatic movement.
Remarkably, laughter and meditation share similar effects on our brains. Studies using MRI have shown laughter ignites gamma waves across both hemispheres, anchoring us in moments of joy. Laughter boosts our feel-good hormones—dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins—helping to alleviate pain and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Some research even suggests laughter therapy can rival antidepressants in effectiveness.
The intriguing part is how laughter doesn’t necessarily need humor to be beneficial. The evolution of laughter therapy, particularly with the advent of Laughter Yoga in the 1990s, blends simulated laughter exercises, clapping whilst chanting ho, ho, ho, ha, ha, ha, and deep breathing, which transcends the need for humor, turning “fake” laughter into genuine bouts of joy. This approach, developed by Dr. Madan Kataria, leverages pranayamic (deep) breathing techniques, emphasizing that the act of laughter itself (rather than the reason behind it) fosters genuine well-being.
3) What are the distinctions between spontaneous laughter and simulated laughter? How are these two different?
Spontaneous laughter is the kind that erupts uncontrollably in moments of joy or amusement. It is a raw, authentic expression of emotion. It’s a universal language, a shared experience that bridges gaps and fosters connections, enriching our lives and interactions. This type of laughter is reactive, sparked by humor or joy that resonates on a deeply personal level.
On the flip side, simulated laughter doesn’t wait for an external trigger. It’s a deliberate act, a choice to laugh irrespective of the immediate context or emotional state. Rooted in practices like Laughter Yoga (which we just discussed), what starts as a conscious effort to mimic laughter often blossoms into genuine joy. These forms of laughter exercises can have the same beneficial effects on our health and mood as spontaneous laughter, from enhancing oxygen intake and circulation to reducing stress and boosting the immune system.
So, while their triggers differ, the outcome is remarkably similar, offering a testament to laughter’s inherent value as a therapeutic tool and a catalyst for joy. The essence lies in the active choice to engage with laughter, to invite it into our lives as a practice, much like meditation or exercise. This proactive engagement with laughter—be it through Laughter Yoga sessions, humor-filled interactions, or simply choosing to find reasons to laugh—can significantly impact our power to heal, connect, and support resilience.
4) Your research builds a strong case for integrating laughter into daily life. What are some simple ways people can incorporate more laughter into their routine?
Integrating laughter into our daily routines can be both simple and transformative. I like to categorize laughter into two main types: the physical act of laughing, like the spontaneous laughter that bubbles up from within, and a ‘laughter mindset,’ which is more about how we approach life and its myriad of situations.
To start, Laughter Yoga is a fantastic gateway to incorporating more laughter into one’s routine. It’s easily accessible online or in person, providing a structured way to laugh even when you might not feel like it. Beyond formal sessions, injecting humor into daily interactions—be it through sharing jokes in a family WhatsApp group, kicking off work meetings with something light-hearted, or watching a comedy with friends—any of these can naturally elevate your laughter quotient. Laughter is inherently social; it amplifies when shared. So when you can, share it!
Transitioning to the laughter mindset involves a bit more introspection but can be equally rewarding. It’s about finding humor in everyday life, especially during tough times. Asking yourself, “Could there be something funny here that I’m missing?” or imagining how you might view a situation humorously in the future, this type of reframing can shift your perspective and bring lightness to heavy moments.
Creating a humor scrapbook or journal is another tangible method. Jot down amusing observations, jokes, or funny memories. On days when laughter seems distant, flipping through your journal or scrapbook can offer a much-needed chuckle, or at the least, a smile.
I also suggest seizing “traffic moments”—those everyday pauses, like being stuck at a red light, as opportunities for a quick laugh, smile or a deep breath. Laughter in the privacy of your car can be a liberating experience, free from the worry of judgment. These moments remind us that laughter doesn’t always require a big setup; sometimes, it’s about embracing the small opportunities life presents.
Back to advocating for Laughter Yoga, its appeal as a starting point lies in its adaptability and inclusivity. Its growth to over 10,000 clubs worldwide is a testament to its effectiveness and appeal. The practice shows us that laughter doesn’t have to be spontaneous to be beneficial; simulated laughter can lead to genuine joy and a multitude of health benefits, surpassing even humor-based therapies in some studies.
Integrating laughter into our lives is ultimately about mindfulness and intention. It’s recognizing that even amidst challenges, there are moments of joy to be found or created. It’s about retraining our brain to seek out those moments, making laughter not just an occasional occurrence but a daily practice.
5) What do you hope readers take away from The Laughter Effect, and what are your future plans for promoting the benefits of laughter?
In the book, I emphasize the power we hold in choosing our responses to life’s uncontrollable elements—be it global events, politics, or personal challenges. COVID-19 starkly reminded us that while we can’t dictate external circumstances, our reactions remain ours to command. This choice—between succumbing to despair or embracing moments of levity—is vital. Integrating micro-moments of joy, opting for uplifting interactions over stress-inducing ones, and choosing “cheer scrolling” over doomscrolling are actionable steps toward a more positive outlook. It’s about intentional living, actively seeking joy and laughter in our daily lives, not just waiting for them to happen.
Looking forward, my mission is about extending laughter’s reach as a universal, healing language. It’s not merely about laughter itself, but fostering connections that highlight our shared humanity (which is often lost in today’s digital and divided landscapes). Laughter transcends language and cultural barriers. Laughter serves as a bridge even in deeply entrenched conflicts, as illustrated by initiatives that bring together individuals from opposing sides through shared laughter experiences. This isn’t about naïvely believing laughter can solve the world’s problems overnight, but acknowledging its role in easing tensions, healing wounds, and reminding us of our common human essence.
So, I would say The Laughter Effect is a call to action, urging readers to actively incorporate laughter and positivity into their lives as a resilience strategy against adversity. It’s also a testament to laughter’s ability to not only uplift our own spirits, but it has the power to foster empathy and understanding across divides, potentially contributing to broader societal healing.
