Meeting a friend for coffee, a shopping day, or a bike ride on the weekend—does it all feel empty and uninteresting? Do you have that intense feeling that you simply can’t experience joy anymore? In perimenopause and menopause, many women go through something very similar.
Things that used to make you happy now leave you with a deep sense of inner emptiness. That apparent “inability” to feel joy can be incredibly exhausting and painful.
Especially in this phase of life—when so much is changing both externally and internally—it can be helpful to intentionally focus on small, positive moments. Because laughter can create more positive effects, even in moments of low mood, than you might expect. With the following five tips, we want to invite you to allow more lightness back into your life.
Why don’t you feel joy anymore?
Midlife often comes with major changes that can deeply affect you. Children leave home, parents may need care, and awareness of your own body and mortality becomes more present. These shifts alone can trigger fears and insecurities—and in the worst case, a loss of joy in life.
On top of that come hormonal changes: the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone begin to decline, and they are closely linked to our “feel-good hormones” dopamine and serotonin. If chronic stress and lack of sleep are added to the mix, your wellbeing can be affected even more.
All of this can create the feeling that you have lost your joy in life. If you are in such a phase, it’s important to have serious mental health issues ruled out by a professional.
Why do so many people experience laughter as soothing?
The old saying “laughter is the best medicine” is supported by science. People who laugh often and genuinely tend to be less easily thrown off course by life. It’s a form of inner resilience.
The following tips can help you support your mental health and bring more laughter and joy back into your everyday life:
1. Smile intentionally – an instant mood lift
Pull the corners of your mouth upward for 60 to 90 seconds. Researchers suggest that’s enough to trigger similar effects to a real smile.
Your body releases “happy hormones” that can help reduce negative emotions. The motto is: fake it till you make it—and notice how your mood begins to shift.
2. Social connection and contagious laughter
Meet up with others and laugh from the heart. You’ve probably experienced a real “laugh attack” with friends where you simply couldn’t stop. And laughter truly is contagious, as researchers confirm.
So-called mirror neurons in the brain are activated just by seeing someone’s facial expression while laughing. They mirror the other person’s laughter on a neurological level and prepare your brain to join in. The reason behind the laughter is almost irrelevant.
3. Laughter yoga for deep moments of happiness
At first, forced laughter in a class might feel a little strange. But once you overcome that initial barrier, laughter yoga can be genuinely uplifting.
According to experts, simulated laughter can trigger the same physical processes as natural laughter.
4. Reconnect with your playful side
Dance wildly around your home. Make silly faces in the mirror. Give yourself permission to be a little ridiculous. These playful moments can carry you through the day.
And by the way—it works wonderfully with your best friend too and can even strengthen your bond.
5. A movie night as a mindful break
Treat yourself to a funny movie or series night—alone, with your partner, or with friends. Whether it’s a cult classic, chaotic comedy, or slapstick favorite: there are countless films and shows that can make you laugh. They just have to match your personal sense of humor.
These intentional breaks can help you create distance from everyday life and reconnect with your inner sunshine.
Holistic support as the foundation for a positive mindset
The path back to more joy often begins with inner calm and emotional balance. On this journey of mindful self-care, menofemme can support you in a powerful way—especially when hormonal fluctuations affect your mood.
Phytohormones may help support your hormonal balance. Natural plant-based ingredients can contribute to both physical and emotional wellbeing, giving you more headspace to focus on the good moments—and on your laughter.
Step into this new phase of life with openness and a smile that truly comes from within.