The health benefits of laughter

Laughter and playfulness also come with numerous physical and mental health benefits. Laughter triggers a host of healthy changes in your brain and body.

Laughter helps you stay healthy by:

•     Boosting your mood
•     Decreasing stress hormones
•     Improving oxygen flow to the brain
•     Reducing physical pain
•     Lowering blood pressure
•     Strengthening the immune system
•     Protecting the heart
•     Relaxing your body

Mental health benefits of laughter and humor
Better Health Through Humor, Laughter, and PlayBetter Health Through Humor, Laughter, and Play

Laughter is strong medicine for both the body and the mind. It helps you stay balanced, energetic, joyful, and healthy. Read Laughter is the Best Medicine

The mental health benefits of laughter are tied to the physical benefits. When your body is relaxed and energized, you are better able to think and communicate clearly. This helps you keep your own emotions in check, relate in a positive way to others, and resolve conflict.

Laughter is a particularly powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. Having a sense of humor offsets depression and anxiety by:

    Releasing endorphins. When you laugh, your brain releases endorphins, powerful chemicals that boost mood and override sadness and negative thoughts.
    Putting things into perspective. Most situations are not as bleak as they appear to be when looked at from a playful and humorous point of view.
    Connecting us to others. Our mental health depends, to a large degree, on the quality of our relationships—and laughter binds people together.