It is widely said ‘laughter is the best medicine’. According to anthropological research, both humor and laughter are built-in, and historically, has been considered as a ‘social glue.’ In fact, an article published by the University of Notre Dame’s Center for Theology, Science, and Human Flourishing, stated laughter is considered as the ‘shortest distance between two people.’

According to a 2016 study made on 20, 934 Japanese seniors, those who laughed often have a 21 percent higher chance of not developing any cardiovascular complications. That percentage goes up much higher when it comes to stroke, reaching as high as 60 percent.

The University of Kentucky even listed down the numerous benefits of laughter, which includes pain reduction, improved oxygenation, improved blood pressure, lower levels of stress hormones, muscle relaxation, strengthened immune function, abdominal, facial and back muscle conditioning, reduced risk of heart attack, improved emotional health, and improved brain function, which includes the ability to retain information better.

“Daily frequency of laughter is associated with a lower prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. The association could not be explained by confounding factors, such as depressive symptoms,” wrote the authors.

(Agencies)