Why a Dose of Laughter is Good for You

CLEVELAND - April Fools’ Day has arrived, and you can bet many people will be playing pranks and making jokes, which can actually be good for your health. 

“Laughter is really, really good for us. It takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile. So, if we smile, even if we don't feel like it, that usually changes how we feel about something,” said Chivonna Childs, PhD, psychologist at Cleveland Clinic. “Laughter is good. So, if you can get a good gut-busting laugh in, it raises your endorphins, which is our feel-good hormone, which makes us feel lighter, happier, and calmer.” 

Dr. Childs said laughter isn’t just a stress reliever.

Research shows it can also help boost your immune system, reduce pain and even burn calories.

She said there are a lot of ways to enjoy laughter, and it doesn’t always have to be with a big practical joke or prank. 

You could watch a funny movie, go to a comedy show, or spend time with family or friends that you know have a good sense of humor.

Dr. Childs said often those moments are the most memorable. 

“When we think about laughter and how it really is a social thing, it's also a family thing. If we have a family that is full of comedians, or we have that favorite uncle or auntie that makes us smile and laugh, laughter becomes part of our memories,” she said. “A lot of times we can go back to our memories and remember this thing that made us laugh so hard that it can still make you laugh today after you've recalled the memory and shared it with someone else. So, laughter is a very important part of our lives.”

Dr. Childs said while laughing and making jokes can be good for us, be sure to know your audience.

Not everyone may find the same things funny.