7 Benefits of Laughter

Laughter truly is the best medicine. And, now science proves some of its many benefits. Here are seven reasons to laugh longer, harder, and more often:

1. In a recent study published in Geriatrics and Gerontology International, researchers found that laughter therapy reduced depression in the elderly patients they tested.

2. The same study also found that laughter improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia.

3. Laughter can reduce aches and pains for up to 45 minutes. In a study published in the Spanish journal Revista de Enfermeria, researchers found laughter caused reductions in chronic musculoskeletal pain.

4. Regular laughter improves the function of blood vessels while increasing blood flow, giving a boost to your cardiovascular health.

5. According to experts, sharing laughter with others helps create deeper bonds with them.

6. It is a proven stress-reliever, helping to reduce the cortisol-induced stress response. When the stress response becomes chronic, it can spell belly fat and depleted the adrenal glands.

7. Laughter gives the immune system a boost, helping to ward off infections. Whether you’re fighting a cold or flu or even cancer, laughter is great medicine.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

J.L. A.

1:23PM PDT on May 17, 2012

great reminder--Norman Cousins was SO right!

send a green star

Jane B.

10:31PM PDT on Apr 10, 2012

Laughter and being happy cause release of happy hormones which in turn block stress hormones, thus preventing disease. Laughter and sex are good for you.

LMj S.

9:09PM PST on Mar 6, 2012

great info and so true laughter is best medicine,, thank you for sharing!

KS G.

1:04AM PST on Dec 2, 2011

Thanks for the article.

Carole R.

8:28PM PDT on Sep 11, 2011

Some of these things I knew, some I didn't and was glad to find out. Good humor really does improve life for yourself and others around you. :0) (teehee)

Susanne R.

8:16AM PDT on Aug 15, 2011

I learned as a young child that laughter was the only thing that relieved my stress --and it has served me well over the years. My sisters and I still bend over backwards to make each other laugh when life gets a little too overwhelming. And my daughter caught the bug, too!

Robert O.

11:10AM PDT on Jul 20, 2011

Laughter really is the best medicine and truly healing. Thanks Michelle.

Akin A.

6:15AM PDT on Jul 13, 2011

Thanks for sharing.

Shalvah L.

5:46AM PDT on Jul 7, 2011

Can't imagine not being able to laugh, at myself at the world in general, I pity those who can't

Michele W.

7:08AM PDT on Jun 25, 2011

Thank you