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Laughter helps reduce stress Studies show that a good laugh produces a chemical reaction that instantly elevates your mood, reduces pain and stress, and boosts immunity. A recent MRI study by Allan L. Reiss, MD, and colleagues at Stanford University traced this activity to a region called the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), which rewards behaviors such as feeding, laughing, and sex by releasing dopamine, a natural opiate. The American College of Cardiology has found that the positive effects of laughing last for up to 45 minutes. Laugh lowers our blood pressure, increases the blood flow to the heart and pumps more oxygen into the blood. It also strengthens artery walls. Laughter boosts hormones. Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol, and epinephrine. Laughter also increases the level of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins, and neurotransmitters. Laughter creates friendships by strengthening human connections. We use laughter to deflect anger and aggression and to communicate goodwill. Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter increases the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T cells. This means a stronger immune system, as well as fewer physical effects of stress. Laughter strengthens abdominal muscles. Laughter exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and even works out the shoulders, leaving muscles more relaxed afterward.
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