It's science: Humor can extend your life - 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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Reduces pain - 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.

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Boosts immunity - 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.

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Protects the heart - 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.

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Burns calories - 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.

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Strengthens the diaphragm - 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.

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Aids in digestion - 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.

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Improves skin health - 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.

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

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Improves sleep quality - 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.

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Live longer -

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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Adds joy to life - Laughter often brings happiness into your day, making life more enjoyable by releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward​.

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

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

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Promotes emotional release - 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​.

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Boosts cognitive function -

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.

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Relieves stress - 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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Improves mood - 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.

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Enhances creativity - 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​.

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

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

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

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Promotes group bonding -

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

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Activities that promote laughing: Game night with friends - 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.

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

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Go to a comedy show - 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.

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Laughter yoga - 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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Don't take yourself too seriously -

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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