Your Body on Laughter

The health benefits of laughing are no joke.

October 2022

Krystnell Storr-Smith

Few things in life are better than a full-body laugh. You know the kind—when you laugh so hard your shoulders shake and tears stream down your face. Even after the giggles pass, you just feel happy. It probably seems like a no-brainer that laughing feels good—but did you know it’s also good for you?

In fact, studies show that laughing has serious benefits for your physical and mental health. People who laugh regularly get sick less often. They also tend to live longer than people who are Always. So. Serious. And making a daily habit of finding something to laugh about can help reduce stress and improve your bonds with others. Read on to find out how a good chuckle can help your body, mind, and mood. Seriously!

YUK IT UP

Try these tips for bringing on the funny.

Start a joke jar: Have everyone in your family write down one joke and drop it into a jar. At dinnertime, pull one out to read aloud.
Laugh at yourself: Do a silly dance in the mirror, take a selfie making your wackiest face, or sing your favorite song in your goofiest voice.
Laugh for no reason: Google “laughter yoga” for tips on how to spontaneously crack up.

Brain

When we see or hear something funny, several parts of the brain are activated at the same time. This strengthens neural connections and improves your brain’s ability to multitask.

Muscles

Although it can’t replace exercise, laughing tones the diaphragm, abs, and shoulder muscles. It can also help relieve muscle tension. That can help you feel relaxed.

Mood

Laughter sends endorphins, aka feel-good hormones, coursing through your veins. Laughing also reduces cortisol and adrenaline, the hormones that cause anxiety and stress.

Heart

When you laugh, your heart beats faster. This makes you take deep breaths, which increases the oxygen in your blood and helps protect you against heart disease.

Immune System

Laughing aids in the production of disease-fighting immune cells. This helps protect you from infection and can even reduce your risk of getting cancer.