Despite the enormous benefits of laughter, we are often just too tired and stressed to take the time to indulge in a good belly laugh. Today, adults just do not laugh as we used to—regardless of how much our body, mind, and soul benefit from it.
The health benefits of laughter are even more far-ranging than we ever before believed, showing that laughter can help relieve pain, bring greater happiness, and even increase immunity. Laughter reduces the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine (adrenaline), while also increasing the level of health-enhancing hormones such as endorphins. It increases the number of antibody-producing cells we have working for our immune system and enhances the overall effectiveness of T cells. This means a stronger immune system and fewer manifestations of the physical effects of stress, such as exhaustion, depression, insomnia, and weight gain.
