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 response
• Why perimenopause makes everything feel heavier — and how laughter cuts through it
• The link between humour, connection, oxytocin, and emotional safety
• How shared laughter improves mood, cognition, and tension in the body
• Practical ways to bring more fun and silliness back into midlife
• Why adults laugh far less than children, and why that needs to change
• Real examples from Pilates classes that show how movement + humour support mental wellbeing

This 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 Episode

If your stress feels constant or you’re struggling to lift your mood:

• Local Pilates classes for movement, connection, and a good giggle
• Menopause MOT for personalised support
• CONTROL sessions for subconscious patterns that feed stress and overwhelm

Send us Fan Mail

www.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.uk

Free Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watch

Supporting 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.