Today, we laugh and forget our problems and stress, it is Let’s Laugh Day.  In the midst of a global event happening right now, we need to relieve some of that anxiety at least even for a day.  Studies show that laughter boosts your immune system.  This day is observed annually on March 19th.

Laughter is a response to certain external or internal stimuli.  It can be triggered by being tickled or arise from humorous stories or thoughts.  Commonly, it is considered a visual expression of several positive emotional states, such as joy, mirth, happiness, relief, and more.  It is just a part of human behavior regulated by the brain, helping humans clarify their intentions in social interaction and providing an emotional context to conversations.

We all hear the saying “Laughter is the best medicine”, well perhaps it is.   According to studies, laughter causes the dilatation of the inner lining of blood vessels, the endothelium, and increases blood flow. Other cardioprotective properties of nitric oxide include the reduction of inflammation and decreased platelet aggregation.  When a  person laughs the brain also releases endorphins that can relieve some of the physical pain.  In 2000, studies found that people with heart disease were 40 percent less likely to laugh and be able to recognize the humor in a variety of situations, compared to people of the same age without heart disease.

So, today, celebrate this day with friends telling jokes, or funny stories that you can laugh out together.  You can also trigger laughter on your own by watching comedy shows on Netflix or your favorite comedy channel.  Share some funny stories for everyone to laugh on social media using #LetsLaughDay.