If you’ve ever doubled over in laughter at a friend’s joke or enjoyed a chuckle at a sitcom, you might have briefly considered the immediate benefits of laughter. It lifts your mood, creates bonds, and generally makes life more enjoyable. But what if I told you that laughter does more than just tickle your funny bone? It actually plays a part in boosting your immune system. That’s right, a good laugh might just keep the doctor away. How Laughter Affects the Body When we laugh, a delightful cascade of physiological changes occurs. Laughter increases our oxygen intake, which stimulates the heart, lungs, and muscles, and enhances endorphin release. It also…

Imagine this: you’re sitting in a small cafe, sipping on a latte, and overhearing a group of people at the next table. They’re laughing so hard that one of them almost chokes on their croissant, and you can’t help but smile, maybe even chuckle a bit yourself. That’s the thing about laughter it’s infectious, and it’s kind of magical. But there’s more to this everyday phenomenon than just social bonding or making your stomach hurt (in a good way). Laughter holds surprising benefits for mental health, some of which you might not expect. I once read about a woman who found herself in a bit of a life pickle. Newly…