It is said that ‘laughter is the best medicine’. Research has revealed several ways in which laughter is good for our health:

• Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving our muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes afterwards.

• Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving our resistance to disease.

• Laughter diffuses anger. Nothing reduces anger and conflict faster than a shared laugh. Looking at the funny side can put problems into perspective and enable us to move on from confrontations without holding on to bitterness or resentment.

• Laughter helps us to bond with other humans and build stronger communities. Shared laughter can be a great experience, and laughter can often be infectious.

Many people comment on the infectious sound of children’s laughter. Their giggling, laughing and enjoyment of the most basic aspects of life remind all of us that, no matter what age we are, we need to laugh and find joy in life. 

So if you can do just one thing today, try and make someone smile and laugh, you'll be doing something that's so good for the soul and for everyone's health.