Benefits

• Studies have concluded that a positive attitude and laughter can relieve stress and decrease depression and death from cardiovascular disease. Laughter may also improve your immune system and lower blood sugar. When you laugh, your muscles are stretched and your blood pressure and pulse rise, sending more oxygen to the body. The effect is akin to that of a workout.
  
  

Function

• Write down three good things that happen each day. Surround yourself with positive people and those who make you laugh. Free online joke sites, such as A Joke a Day and Jokes Warehouse, might help, too. Over time you'll find it easier to laugh and think positively.
  
  

Considerations

• A sense of humor and a solid support unit also improve health. Positive people tend to be active and lead healthy lifestyles, which may increase life span, according to the Mayo Clinic. Researchers recommend further studies into the role of laughter and positive attitude in improving health and life span.