We know that laughter is good for you. But just how good? I combed through the scientific literature on laughter and found a wealth of benefits. Here are 5 surprising facts about why laughing is so great for your health.

Stimulates your internal organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen, which through the blood stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles. It also increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.

Relieves your stress response. An eye-watering good laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response.

Improve your immune system. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions in your body, and bringing more stress into your system can decrease your immunity. By contrast, positive thoughts can actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses.

Laughter can help lessen your stress, depression and anxiety and may make you feel happier. It can also improve your self-esteem.

When you laugh, your body releases endorphins. Endorphins are the hormones that your body produces when you do physical activities, like laughing. These are the chemicals responsible for making you feel happy and euphoric after a workout or when you’re eating chocolate.

Laughter can brighten your day and help you to get through the toughest of times. It can ease tension, release some stress and make you feel better.

That’s why in my personal development training I use humour. Difficult subjects are best tackled with a touch of humour, and if your teams are feeling good and I act as a stress buster, you’re less likely to have people getting sick or burnt out in the workplace.