Laughter holds the secret to better health and improved quality of life. Here’s why.

We’ve all heard the saying: laughter is the best medicine. I have found myself wondering how true this saying really is. If I roll my ankle, for example, will a quick joke have measurable effects on how fast it heals? Is it more probable that laughter has nothing to do with our health? Or is the true answer somewhere in between? Today, we will find out.

Have you ever been sitting around with a friend or family member, laughing and having a good time, and felt that nothing could go wrong? Despite the problems we all face, quality time with those we love seems to heal all. Laughter provides similar benefits.

According to a National Library of Medicine article, “It is commonly accepted that laughter produces psychological benefits, such as improving affect, depression, anxiety and stress.” Laughing feels good and can help us forget our worries. I like using humor as a tool for dealing with stressful situations. Amazingly, laughter’s benefits go beyond psychology.

“Current research indicates that laughter has quantifiable positive physiologic benefits.” Laughter has real tangible benefits for our health in addition to boosting mood and reducing stress levels.

Spontaneous or genuine, laughter has also been linked to increases in pain tolerance and decreases in agitation. Humor therapy has been used to treat agitation for dementia patients. Laughter brought about a 20% reduction in agitation, which is similar to the effects of common antipsychotic medications.

The power of laughter shouldn’t be laughed at. Well, maybe it should because if you do, then you’ll lower your levels of agitation to comparable levels as some prescription medications for free!

Let’s not forget the social benefits of laughter either. According to a Shondaland article, “Laughter creates a biological effect similar to antidepressants but without any of the negative side effects.” Social situations can prompt laughter and the ensuing positive benefits.

Think of a time when you had a really good laugh. Your body likely experienced the psychological and physiological effects of laughter all at once. Plus, the value of that memory and the relationships strengthened cannot be overlooked.

We can all benefit from a frequent laughter prescription. The psychological and physiological benefits are numerous and significant. The social aspect of laughter can help us connect with others while relieving stress and boosting our moods. It helps us feel better about ourselves, as we should.

Laughter is not always the best individual prescription for a malady, but its positive benefits are numerous and notable. Laughter is a free, enjoyable and effective treatment that can increase immune system function, mood and pain tolerance and decrease agitation, depression, anxiety and stress.

After all, who doesn’t love a good laugh?

Jacob Freshly is an opinion writer. Contact him at [email protected].