Enjoying a good comedy or hanging out with your funny friends could be more beneficial to your health than you may think, according to mcpress.mayoclinic.org
Laughter can alleviate stress by reducing stress hormones like epinephrine and cortisol, according to Mayo Clinic expert and oncologist Edward T. Creagan, M.D. These hormones are linked to depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
“When we laugh, there’s a decrease in cortisol and an increase in endorphins,” he explains. Laughter, whether with friends or through funny videos, floods the body with feel-good hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins. Studies show laughter can reverse the body’s stress response and may reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, boost self-esteem, improve social skills, and enhance memory.
Dr. Creagan emphasizes laughter’s broad benefits, including better heart health and a stronger immune system.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
