A new study suggests that laughter — or, at least, genuine laughter — releases endorphins in your brain.  These chemicals that activate brain receptors that produce pain-killing and euphoria-producing effects.

Previous research has linked laughter with pain relief. In the new research, the scientists tested dozens of participants’ tolerance to pain through various methods.

According to Time Magazine:

“Viewing or participating in comedy led to higher pain tolerance, the researchers found, and there was a dose-related response to laughter: people who laughed more felt less pain later.”

Sources:

Time Magazine September 14, 2011

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