5 health benefits of laughter

May 16 2017, 2:40 am

It happens to us all, we get stressed out because, let’s get real, life can be tough sometimes. Stress can start affecting us both mentally and physically in ways we don’t always notice. To relieve it, some people may turn to exercise or retail therapy but what about comedy?
On a daily basis you probably don’t give a lot of thought to how much time you spend laughing, but maybe you should. According to the Mayo Clinic staff, ‘moments of laughter actually have positive short and long term effects on our mind and body’. These five health benefits from Mayo Clinic staff will make your weekend plans go from drinks on a patio to a night at your local comedy club.

Improve your immune system

Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. In contrast, positive thoughts can actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses.

Relieve pain

Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers.

Increase personal satisfaction

Laughter can also make it easier to cope with difficult situations. It also helps you connect with other people.

Soothe tension

Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.

Stimulate many organs

Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.


Make laughter a bigger part of your life. At Vancouver’s #1 improv comedy company, Vancouver TheatreSports (located on Granville Island) you can laugh until you cry five nights a week (Wednesday – Sunday) during any of their 11 different performances.

From themes such as dating (OK Tinder), to social media (#NoFilter), to classic improv games (TheatreSports) there is something for everyone. No two shows are ever the same as the improvisers rely on audience suggestions to drive the action. A night out won’t break the bank, tickets range from $8 – $23.50. For more information visit VTSL.

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