Laugh more, stress less: 10 health advantages of laughter

Why it’s good to laugh

The expert explained that laughter is a natural and effective tool that affects a person’s physical and mental state.

Whether you are watching a comedy show, sharing a joke with a friend, or laughing at your own mistakes, a simple act of laughter can bring tangible health benefits.

• Boosts immunity. Laughter lowers the stress hormone cortisol and increases the number of immune cells and antibodies that fight infections. This enhances the immune response, helping protect against illnesses. Even a few minutes of genuine laughter can stimulate changes in immune activity, making the body more resistant to infections.
• Improves cardiovascular health. During laughter, heart rate increases briefly, followed by a phase of muscle relaxation and lower blood pressure. This mimics the effect of light physical activity and promotes better circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Relieves physical tension and pain. Laughter stimulates the release of endorphins – the “happiness hormones.” They not only improve mood but also act as natural painkillers. Regular laughter can reduce pain perception, relax muscles, and relieve tension.
• Supports breathing. Genuine laughter engages the diaphragm and lungs, promoting oxygen intake and clearing stagnant air from the lungs. This is especially beneficial for people who sit for long periods or breathe shallowly due to stress or a sedentary lifestyle. Laughter helps oxygenate the body and expand the airways.
• Acts like light physical exercise. Laughter often activates the same systems as physical activity. It engages the abdominal muscles, shoulders, and diaphragm, and can even raise heart rate.
• Reduces stress. Laughter lowers stress hormones and promotes the production of neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin). This can improve mood and reduce mental and emotional strain related to stress and anxiety.
• Improves mood. Usually, people feel happier while laughing. This mood boost is not only temporary but can also reduce symptoms of depression and increase life satisfaction.
• Enhances relationships. Shared genuine laughter builds emotional bonds and encourages openness and vulnerability. Humor with a partner, friend, family member, or even a stranger can diffuse tension and help resolve conflicts.
• Improves cognitive function. Positive emotions can enhance concentration and memory. Laughter also supports mental flexibility and creativity. It reduces stress levels and increases the sense of psychological safety.
• Promotes emotional resilience. The habit of finding humor in everyday life helps build stress resilience, maintaining hope and optimism even during setbacks. Laughter does not change circumstances but changes the reaction to them, making difficulties easier to endure.

“Even if you don’t feel like laughing, simple things – a smile or watching something funny – can gradually trigger this mechanism. Over time, the practice becomes easier and more natural, and its benefits become more noticeable,” the post says.

How often people laugh in a day

Research by Robert Provine (University of Maryland) showed that adults laugh up to 18 times a day.

Children laugh 200–300 times per day because of:

• Play
• Exploring the world
• Frequent social interaction

Overall, 80% of adults’ laughter occurs not because of jokes, but mainly through:

• Social signaling
• A way to maintain contact
• Support in communication

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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.