Having a good laugh helps relieve stress and benefits your blood vessels, according to yet another expert.

“Laughter increases blood flow and improves the function of blood vessels. Reducing stress is especially beneficial for persons who have hypertension [high blood pressure],” Dr. Vivienne Halpern said in a Society for Vascular Surgery news release.

“Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones [cortisol, epinephrine, dopamine and growth hormone] and increases the level of health-enhancing hormones [endorphins and neurotransmitters],” Halpern explained. “This can result in a stronger immune system and fewer physical effects of stress.”

According to a report from HealthDay News, “Along with reducing stress and improving blood flow and blood vessel function, laughter helps relax muscles and creates a sense of well-being.”

High blood pressure is linked to stroke, a leading cause of death in the United States.

So, developing a strategy to build more laughter into your life can, indeed, be highly healthy.

I also have a couple of blogs on how gratitude can make you more highly healthy:

• Laughter and music lower blood pressure
• The Gratitude Antidote
• Being thankful can make you healthier, happier