Several months ago I started posting about how people should buy my greeting cards because “Laughter is the Best Medicine.”  I had heard that saying my entire life and it seemed like an excellent sales pitch for someone selling funny greeting cards. But then I did a little research and I discovered that laughing actually is really good for your mind and body!

What does laughing do that’s so good?  Several things it turns out!

1. It boosts the immune system.
   Say what?! I don’t need to take supplements because I laugh several times a day?! Well, maybe not, but they (smart people like scientists and doctors) say that laughter increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.  Heck yes! I’m going to live forever!
   
   
2. It reduces stress.
   We all need to relax a little bit more, right? Stress can wreak havoc on the body, making your muscles tense, which can cause you pain and stiffness. A good laugh reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and can relieve that tension and relax your muscles, letting that stress just melt away.
   
   
3. It can reduce pain.
   Laughing releases endorphins (the little guys that make you feel good), which they say can temporarily relieve pain.  I happen to know that there are other fun things that you can do to release endorphins (wink wink) and that shit definitely works for reducing pain, so I believe that laughing can work too!
   
   
4. It helps your heart health. 
   When you laugh you take deep breaths, which circulates more oxygenated blood through your body. That helps your arteries relax, making them wider and more flexible.  This allows the blood to flow easier, improving vascular function and decreasing the risk of heart attacks.
   
   
5. It burns calories.
   Oh shit, what have all these suckers been out there dieting for?! Keep eating what you want, just make sure to watch some “Seinfeld” (or whatever makes you laugh) and burn those calories! For real though, one study reports that laughing 10-15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories (that’s like 1/4 of the granola bar I just ate). Plus laughing reduces the stress hormones that can cause weight gain.
   
   
6. It diffuses anger.
   Hmmm… I have yet to test this theory personally, but I have heard some comedians say that they turned to comedy after being bullied. Who wants to hit the guy cracking jokes?
   
   
7. It can tone your abs!
   Have you ever laughed so hard that your tummy hurts? That’s because when you’re laughing, the muscles in your stomach are expanding and contracting, just like when you’re doing an ab workout! Might as well put that ab roller away.
   
   
8. It may help you live longer.
   I already figured that one out with the immune system point, but it’s still good to know. Experts say that the type of people that laugh a lot tend to have a more positive outlook on life, and that those sorts of people are prone to fight diseases better than the grumpy negative types.
   
   
   Okay, so there you have it. Laughter really is the best medicine! Or at least a good medicine. So when I’m over here telling you to read my funny cards, I’m really just watching out for your health because I care about you (you don’t see Hallmark doing that). Whether you’re laughing with your partner, your kids, your co-workers or alone, keep it up! (Though experts say laughing with others is more beneficial!)  Find a funny movie or laugh at my cards for awhile. It’s good for you.
   
   Want to read more? Check out the articles I sourced
   
   https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm
   https://www.ccpa-accp.ca/the-benefits-of-laughter/
   https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/laugh-and-be-thankful-its-good-for-the-heart-20101124839
   https://www.henryford.com/blog/2019/03/how-laughter-benefits-heart-health