We’ve all heard the idiom that laughter is the best medicine. But laughter is actually a powerful antidote to stress, pain and conflict. Consider the following benefits of laughter according to Harvard Health:Laughter relaxes the whole bodyA good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.Laughter boosts the immune systemLaughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.Laughter triggers the release of endorphinsthe body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.Laughter protects the heartLaughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.Laughter burns caloriesOK, so it’s no replacement for going to the gym, but one study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn about 40 calories—which could be enough to lose three or four pounds over the course of a year.Laughter lightens anger’s heavy loadNothing diffuses anger and conflict faster than a shared laugh. Looking at the funny side can put problems into perspective and enable you to move on from confrontations without holding onto bitterness or resentment.Laughter may even help you to live longerA study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humour outlived those who don't laugh as much. The difference was particularly notable for those battling cancer.More than just a respite from sadness and pain, laughter gives you the courage and strength to find new sources of meaning and hope. Even in the most difficult of times, a laugh–or even simply a smile–can go a long way toward making you feel better. And laughter really is contagious—just hearing laughter primes your brain and readies you to smile and join in the fun.Children laugh more often than adults so spending time with them may teach you a thing or two. Don’t forget funny books, youtube clips or funny stories shared with a friend. Or if you have teenagers in the house like I do, ask them to show you funny memes. I guarantee you they'll have quite a few on their phones.Video: Sesame Street: Kermit and Joey say the alphabetFull article:https://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm