Laughter is ubiquitous in the human world population. No human group has been identified as being devoid of laughter.

It's simple, the less stress you have the better your memory. Humor reduces detrimental stress hormones like cortisol that decrease memory hippocampal neurons, lowers your blood pressure, and increases blood flow and your mood state. The act of laughter -- or simply enjoying some humor -- increases the release of endorphins and dopamine in the brain, which provides a sense of pleasure and reward.

It may not be the best medicine. But laughter’s great for you, and it may even compare to a proper diet and exercise when it comes to keeping you healthy and disease free.

That’s according to Dr. Lee Berk, an associate professor at Loma Linda University in California who has spent nearly three decades studying the ways the aftershocks of a good laugh ripple through your brain and body.

We have lots more to learn about the contribution of laughter to health. But based on what we know now, I would say that for the sake of your health, it pays to laugh. Furthermore, laughing is fun, which is why I’ve always made sure my life includes time for laughter.