Laugh Your Way to Better Health

If you believe stress is no laughing matter, think again. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is new data suggesting that laughter can have salubrious effects on one's physical and emotional well-being.

Laughter doesn't just lighten your mood -- it can actually induce physical changes in your body. And it has both short- and long-term physiological effects. Laughter can:

? Stimulate organs: Laughter jumpstarts the heart and lungs by increasing the intake of oxygen, as well as raising endorphin levels in the brain

? Mitigate stress response: Laughing can cool down the body's reaction to stress

? Stimulate circulation: Laughter soothes tension and enhances muscle relaxation, which can reduce physical manifestations of stress.

Laughter's effects are not limited to the short-term. Laughing can improve the immune system, relieve symptoms of pain and improve one's ability to cope with difficult situations.

So, the next time anyone asks if you've "heard the one about the two guys who walk into a bar," listen up: It could be good for your health.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.