Photo by OurWhisky Foundation on Unsplash. Laughter does amazing things for our health. It reduces stress hormones like cortisol and gives our immune system a boost. Everyone knows how great a good laugh feels right away, but the health benefits last way beyond that moment of joy. The science shows that laughter creates measurable changes in our bodies that improve both physical and mental wellbeing. Research strongly supports the positive effects of laughter therapy. A fascinating 2011 study at the European Society of Cardiology revealed blood vessel expansion effects that lasted up to an hour after people watched funny movies. The results get even better – laughter therapy reduces dementia patients’ agitation by 20%. These results match the effectiveness of antipsychotic medications but come without any side effects. The connection between humor and health runs deep, as laughter increases our body’s antibody production and activates important T-cells. This piece explores the true therapeutic nature of laughter and its effects on our body and mind. The question arises whether doctors should add laughter to their treatment plans. The discussion also covers simple ways to bring more therapeutic laughter into our everyday routines, whatever our natural sense of humor might be. What Makes Laughter Therapeutic? Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash. Image Source: Verywell Mind “We don’t laugh because we’re happy – we’re happy…