Popular wisdom has long advised that “laughter is the best medicine.” Now Drs. Lee Berk and Stanley Tan of California’s Loma Linda University have proved that this statement is true.

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. –E E Cummings

Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh since there is less cleaning up to do afterwards. –Kurt Vonnegut

With the fearful strain that is on me night and day, if I did not laugh, I should die. –Abraham Lincoln

Laughter is the best medicine because it prompts your body to release endorphins, the natural ‘feel-good chemicals’ that give you an overall sense of well-being.

Dr. Berk and Dr Tan’s studies, published over the last 25 years, have declared that laughter has a number of surprising benefits.

Laughter is the best medicine.  Here are the benefits of laughter:

• Helps relieve pain
• Improves moods
• Lowers blood pressure
• Increases muscle relaxation
• Decreases anxiety
• Reduces stress hormones

In conclusion, laughter is an all-natural, easily accessible, drug-free way to boost your health and feel better.  Also, it doesn’t have to cost anything, and anyone can do it.

So next time you feel stressed, pop on your favourite TV comedy or take in a funny movie. Watch your kids try a new dance move. Tell a joke. Most of all, learn to laugh at yourself.