​We have all heard this phrase over the years but did you know there really is some truth to this? Laughter triggers short-term and long-term beneficial effects in your body.

Laughter can reduce your anxiety level and help you relax while it revs up your circulation and helps your blood vessels work more efficiently. It is also known that laughter stimulates your organs because it makes you inhale more oxygen than simply breathing.

Laughter also increases your endorphins and floods your body with these great brain chemicals that make you feel good. Neuropeptides are released when you laugh and these great brain chemicals help you combat stress and maybe even chronic disease.

Studies have also found that laughter helps you to learn new things. That's why laughter is so important as a part of learning for children. They learn more as they laugh and play. It also helps to ensure that they are emotionally healthy and safe which enhances learning as well.

Laughter increases dopamine in your brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and helps control the reward and pleasure centers of the brain. Dopamine can help you relax and relaxation is always a good thing. Relaxing can open your mind and is healthy for you.

It has also been found that laughter reduces pain. When your endorphin levels increase it also causes your pain threshold to rise. It is said that laughter is definitely one of the best medicines for pain. The endorphins released when you laugh tune up the immune system and help you recover from disease and fight infection. Even chronic pain can be lessened by engaging in activities that make you laugh.

So, don't forget to laugh. Watch comedy and involve yourself in activities that make you laugh. This has always been one of my solutions for depression. Laughing puts you in a better mood and helps you deal with stressful situations better. Live, Love and Laugh!

Mary Crawford, HealthCare Employment Network