The Healing Power of Laughter

The Healing Power of Laughter and Escape

*Because Sometimes Soul Work Looks Like Binge-Watching in Pajamas*

Let’s be real — not every healing moment looks like a spiritual retreat in the mountains or hours of deep journaling by candlelight. Sometimes, healing looks like stretchy pants, a perfectly timed meme, and laughing until you wheeze over a ridiculous comedy sketch.

I’m Sonia Iris Lozada — actor, poet, and over-thinker turned wisdom whisperer — and in this week’s episode of Overheard at Chica’s Café, I talk about the underrated brilliance of laughter and the sacred pause of escapism.

And no, I’m not talking about ignoring your feelings or bypassing reality. I’m talking about intentional joy. That full-body exhale that comes when you let go of the need to “fix” everything and just let yourself feel better for five minutes.

What I’ve Learned from Laughing at the Absurd

A few years ago, I was going through grief, exhaustion, and burnout all at once. You know the kind — where even brushing your teeth feels like a workout.

Instead of trying to meditate it away or “be productive,” I surrendered. I turned on a silly video. And I laughed. Not a polite giggle — I mean an ugly, snorting, can’t-breathe, just-peeled-myself-off-the-floor kind of laugh.

That moment did more for my nervous system than any affirmation ever could.

Escape Isn’t Weakness — It’s Wisdom

We tend to treat escape like it’s a dirty word. But the truth is, conscious escapism is an emotional palate cleanser.

Without it, we’d all be walking around like mannequins with unresolved childhood issues — smile painted on, dead behind the eyes. (Yeah… I said it.)

Escaping into a feel-good story, a comedy binge, or a joyful distraction doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you know when to put the heavy stuff down.

Try These Soulful Escapes

  1. Laugh List: Make a list of videos, shows, or jokes that never fail to crack you up.
  2. Comedy Night: Pick one night a week for intentional joy. No true crime. No drama. Just light.
  3. Journal the Ridiculous: What silly thing happened this week? Write it like a stand-up set.

Listen Now

If this blog made you smile or sigh in relief, go listen to the full episode:
The Healing Power of Laughter and Escape — now streaming on all platforms.

And remember, you don’t always need a breakthrough. Sometimes, you just need a break.

With love and laughter,
Sonia

Albert Bramante – Talent Agent

On the Overheard at Chica’s Café podcast, we are delighted to welcome the insightful Albert Bramante, a seasoned talent agent, as well as the accomplished author of Rise Above the Script. In this engaging episode, we dive deep into the intricate world of the current entertainment industry. Albert shares his expert perspective on the evolving landscape, shedding light on the myriad challenges performers face today. We also explore the subtle ways in which artists often unwittingly undermine their own potential, unraveling the complex web of self-sabotage that can hinder their careers.

I assist performers, educators, and creators in unlocking their full potential by combining psychology, performance strategies, and AI to drive unstoppable progress. With over two decades of experience at the intersection of entertainment and education, I have coached actors to secure transformative roles, guided students to become top-tier professionals, and developed systems to help individuals overcome fear, imposter syndrome, and self-sabotage. As the CEO of Bramante Artists, I manage a diverse group of talent in Broadway, film, television, commercials, and print. I focus on career development rather than simply booking roles, using psychological insights and industry strategies to foster long-term, purpose-driven success for talent. In my role as a college professor, I have taught psychology at Union County College and BMCC (CUNY), creating and delivering courses in Child Development, Personality, and Human Growth, with an emphasis on transformative learning experiences rooted in practical application. As a practitioner of hypnosis and NLP, I provide powerful mental performance tools in my work, whether coaching actors, mentoring students, or speaking to creatives. My approach centers on eliminating internal barriers and enhancing clarity, confidence, and focus.

Listen to the episode

Rise Above the Script – Available on Amazon