Earlier this month, people around the world observed World Laughter Day on May 4. While laughing is a natural activity, many may often take it for granted. Finding those short moments of joy do a lot of good to our body not only physically but also mentally, say Mumbai health experts.

Dr Ajit Dandekar, head – psychiatry & mental health, at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Vile Parle West, says, “Genuine laughter works like a whole body exercise, setting off a chain reaction in the body; causing drop in stress chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline, exercising the heart and blood vessels, helping them relax more efficiently, expanding the lung capacity and releasing endorphins which in many cases, act as mild, natural pain killers. Individuals who laugh frequently are more likely to have better immune activity, steadier blood pressure and easier breathing.”