▲Regular laughter increases heart rate and simultaneously lowers blood pressure. This reaction is similar to what happens when we exercise, and can help protect against heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems.

▲Studies have linked laughter to better pain management. It is likely due to an endorphin-mediated opiate effect. Furthermore, this phenomena seems to be independent of mood, so even when you aren’t feeling positive laughing can help.

▲When we have a good belly laugh, our diaphragm convulsively pulls on our side muscles and shakes our stomach and other vital organs. This strengthens these muscles, which in turn enhances respiratory function and increases lung capacity.

▲While it’s still very important to frequent the gym or do other forms of exercise, laughing for 10-15 minutes a day can burn about 40 calories, helping in longer-term weight management.

▲Laughter helps oxygenate our bodies and increases circulation. It also exercises our abdominal muscles, which gives a good massage to internal digestive organs and supports healthy digestion.

▲Laughing is a huge help in fighting sickness and in the prevention of diseases. When we laugh, we increase antibody-producing cells and enhance the effectiveness of T cells in our bodies. The T cells act as a defense mechanism to combat illness.

▲When we laugh, we also smile, and smiling activates 43 different muscles in the face and causes them to tone. This toning effect leads to an improvement in your skin’s appearance and can even ease some symptoms of skin conditions.

▲Laughter releases tension in the body and can increase heart rate and ultimately boost energy levels.

▲Laughter often brings happiness into your day, making life more enjoyable by releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.

▲Laughter can lead to feelings of relaxation, which in turn can result in better sleep. Some laughter before bed might help you transition to restful slumber more easily.

▲A good laugh reduces anxiety, helping you cope with stressful situations by lowering cortisol levels and promoting relaxation.

▲It provides a healthy outlet for releasing pent-up emotions and tension, reducing the risk of emotional burnout through the release of endorphins, which act as natural stress relievers.

▲Laughter builds emotional resilience, enabling you to handle life's challenges more effectively by fostering a positive outlook and reducing feelings of helplessness.

▲Laughter works to relieve physical tension, stress, and anxiety, which can leave your muscles and your body overall feeling relaxed for up to 45 minutes after your last hearty laugh.

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Mental clarity can be enhanced when increased blood flow to the brain during laughter occurs. This also promotes creativity and problem-solving skills by improving overall brain function.

▲Laughter breaks down mental barriers, encouraging free thinking and innovation by improving overall brain function and fostering a more relaxed state conducive to creative thinking.

▲Laughing releases serotonin, a natural mood-lifter, which can help combat depression. Serotonin also enables brain cells and other nervous system cells to communicate better.

▲A good sense of humor can make you more attractive to others, drawing people towards you and enhancing social interactions and your overall likeability.

▲Sharing laughs with others can often foster connection and even intimacy, thereby enhancing social bonds and creating stronger, more positive relationships.

▲Your environment can greatly impact your mood and desire to laugh. Consider watching some stand-up comedy or improv, as both can be great ways to experience belly laughs.

▲Laughter can de-escalate tense situations and help resolve conflict by reducing stress and creating a more relaxed, approachable, and positive atmosphere.

▲This ‘old school’ idea can still provide many laughs! A daily dose of humor from comic strips can keep your spirits high!

▲Enjoying games with friends can provide plenty of laughter and fun. Focus on being vulnerable and be willing to be a bit silly in order to foster a light environment perfect for laughter.

▲Humor in the workplace can improve collaboration and productivity by fostering a more relaxed work environment, which encourages teamwork, open communication, and much more.

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Engage in activities that make you laugh, surround yourself with people who have a good sense of humor, and try to find humor in everyday situations.

Sources: (University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences) (Mayo Clinic) (HEALhealth) (Thorne) (HelpGuide.org)

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Shared laughter can strengthen social bonds and create a sense of community, enhancing group cohesion and mutual support.

▲This new trend is a variation of yoga that encourages prolonged periods of voluntary laughter. Next time you’re feeling down or stressed, consider taking a class.

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The cumulative benefits of laughter contribute to overall longevity and a healthier life. In fact, a Norwegian study found that people with strong senses of humor and who laughed more outlived those who didn’t laugh as much.

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"Laughter is the best medicine,” they say! Laughter isn’t just a delightful expression of humor, but is also a tool for enhancing overall health and well-being. Laughing promotes physical, mental, and emotional positivity, and helps in such aspects as reducing pain, boosting immunity, and protecting the heart. If you incorporate more laughter into your days, you stand to live a healthier, longer life. Throughout this gallery, you’ll learn about ways in which genuine laughter can positively impact your health, and why it should become a part of your regular wellness routine.

Curious to learn more? Click through now!