Laughter does more than you think. Laughing is not only a great feeling, but it is also good for your health in many ways. The need for laughter is a great excuse to hang out with friends and go have some fun. So, be prepared for your mind to be blown as we dive into some of these incredible findings about laughter and its benefits.

  Laughing makes people feel good because it triggers the release of endorphins. Endorphins are a chemical in the body that makes you feel good, which can reduce stress. It can also decrease stress hormone levels in cortisol and epinephrine, as well as activate dopamine, which is part of the brain’s reward system. Sophomore Ashly Arias-Lopez even said, “Laughing makes me happy, and it is almost freeing. It makes my day better, especially when it is uncontrollable.” On another note, laughing boosts the immune system by increasing the production of natural killer cells and antibodies like immunoglobulins, which both help to fight infection and maintain proper immune function. One of the dangerous side effects of being stressed is high blood pressure. This can be detrimental to your health by increasing your risk of heart disease. Laughing has been shown to reduce your blood pressure which in turn, will lower your risk of cardiovascular complications and may even give you a longer life!

  Laughter can also benefit your physical well-being. It reduces tension in the body by relaxing your muscles. Laughing can even be considered a form of exercise because it burns calories. Now, you can kill two birds with one stone by socializing and getting exercise at the same time! A 2005 study done by Vanderbilt University found that ten to fifteen minutes of laughter can increase energy expenditure by about ten to forty calories per day. This translates to around four pounds a year! Keep in mind that laughing should not replace a workout, but it certainly would not hurt.

  This idea of laughter also extends to your mental health. It acts as a natural antidepressant by improving mood and reducing feelings of a depressed state of mind. In other words, it promotes happiness rather than negative emotions like anger, sadness, and anxiety. It can also provide you with a different perspective by allowing you to see a situation in a way that is less intimidating. If you are faced with a disastrous outcome, instead of stressing, you can laugh at it to avoid feeling the overwhelming sensation of failure or defeat. So, next time you are feeling stressed or could use a good laugh, go for it because your health will thank you!