Are you looking for a simple and easy way to boost your health? Try laughing. The act of laughing, whether it is in the form of a chuckle, giggle or guffaw, brings with it a wealth of health benefits.  You can laugh alone, with friends, or in the company of strangers at a comedy club--no matter how or where you laugh you can expect great rewards.

Health Benefits of Laughter

• Increased circulation of endorphins, which relieves stress and boosts mood.
• Increased blood flow and oxygen supply.
• Relief from muscle tension.
• Decreased sensations of pain/discomfort.
• Decreased risk for heart disease as a result of reduced stress levels. Chronic stress can damage the lining of the blood vessels making them more susceptible to a build-up of plaque, thereby reducing blood flow to the heart.
• Burns calories. Researchers found that a hearty laugh can increase energy expenditure by 10 to 20 percent above resting levels (about 10 to 40 calories expended for a 10 to 15 minute bout of laughing).
• Increases social ties/bonding with friends and family.

How to Bring Humor into Daily Life

• Read humorous material, such as the "Funnies" section of your newspaper or a joke book, while you drink your daily cup of coffee.
• Watch a funny T.V. show or movie after dinner.
• Have a lunch date with friends that make you laugh.
• Share a funny story with a co-worker before the office meeting starts.
• When all else fails, laugh. Sometimes things are just out of your control and you have to let life take its course.  In these situations, try to look for the good and humorous and hope for the best.

References
International Journal of Obesity (2007) Vol. 31; pp. 131-137; "Energy Expenditure of Genuine Laughter"; Buchowski, M.S. et al.,.

Mayo Clinic: Stress Relief from Laughter? Yes, no Joke