By Justin Whelan

As well as being a really enjoyable way to pass time laughter is proving to be more and more helpful to the well being of both our mind and body as scientists find new ways that having a laugh and a giggle help us. Below are listed just a few of the helpful ways that are being discovered on how laughter helps us:

• Reduces cortisol levels in our blood stream. Cortisol is a hormone that is strongly related to stress, therefore it stands to reason that reducing cortisol also reduces stress.
• Alleviates depression. It is extremely difficult (if not impossible) to be upset when things make you laugh.
• Lowers blood pressure. This in turn takes pressure off the heart and decreases the risk of suffering a stroke due to high blood pressure.
• Raises endorphin activity within the body. Endorphins are a natural chemical compound produced within the body and are attributed to given off a natural high and is well known to relieve pain.

So, as well as being an extremely fun thing to do, laughing is also extremely good for you. On top of the advantages listed above laughter also plays a major role in our social standing. People of a good and jolly nature who laugh easily are generally regarded as better people and this means that their peers will strive to be around them more and more. And, as I am sure you are all aware, laughter is one of the most infectious responses on the planet meaning that when you laugh you will find that the people around you will laugh with you which can turn a special moment into an extra-ordinary moment.

With depression rates going up at a staggering rate and work related stress on the rise this simply proves that people are not taking enough time to relax and enjoy what they have. As people constantly strive to improve their economic and social standing people often lose sight that by simply spending time relaxing and having fun with their friends they will improve their overall outlook on life and reduce the likely hood of going of to a stress related early grave.

To sum up,… the next time you find something funny don’t hold back and laugh to, quite literally, your hearts content. You will probably find that if you are with other people witnessing the same event, or reading the same joke, you will not be laughing alone. And remember… All work and no play makes everyone very dull people!