5 Benefits of Laughter for Your Health

October 15, 2024•2 min read

While health is a serious subject, it is important to know that laughter has also been shown to benefit your health. Here at IM of CNY, we like to see our patient’s laughing and being silly! The staff at IM of CNY like to practice this rule and use humor as medicine. Recently at our staff retreat, staff enjoyed a game of “Throw Throw Burrito” where they encountered “burrito brawls” and “burrito wars” which involved throwing foam burritos at each other. This game left us all laughing and realizing who was competitive on our team. It is important to have humor and laughter in your day not just for your mental health but for your physical health as well. Below are 5 benefits that are seen from laughter.

Laughter has been shown to boost your immune system by increasing antibody-producing cells and enhancing T-cell effectiveness. Immunity is important for fighting off infections such as cold and flu. Immune function is also important for the management of chronic conditions such as cancer and autoimmune conditions.
Laughter reduces stress by decreasing cortisol levels. When you laugh, your body relaxes and you go from being in the sympathetic, or “fight or flight” response, to the parasympathetic mode where you are able to “rest and digest”. Healing occurs when individuals are in this state.
Laughter increases oxygen levels. When you laugh, you bring in extra oxygen. This in turn will help to lower your heart rate as your heart will not have to pump as much to circulate the oxygen in your body. This can also help to lower blood pressure and increase circulation.
Laughter may help reduce pain. Recent research has shown that pain tolerance was increased by laughter.
Laughter also helps to strengthen the core. We have all probably experienced sore abdominal muscles after a good laugh session. Laughing can also engage muscles in the diaphragm and shoulders.