Why is Laughter the Best Medicine?

You’ve probably heard of the phrase ‘laughter is the best medicine’ at some point in the past. There’s a reason that this phrase is so well-known - because it’s true!

Laughter is one of the best ways to relieve stress and reduce anxiety. It reduces the activation of your sympathetic nervous system and reduces cortisol levels.

Cortisol is the ‘stress’ hormone that prepares your body for fight or flight in a difficult situation. Long-term elevated cortisol levels are associated with an increased risk of disease.  Regular laughter can reduce stress hormones while boosting  your immune system, helping you to fight against harmful pathogens.

Laughter also improves your mood because it causes the release of serotonin and endorphins in your body. Serotonin is responsible for mood stabilization and endorphins act as natural pain killers, so laughing can also lower your pain.