04/26/2026
A hearty laugh may be one of the best things you can do for your heart, according to research from the University of Maryland and the Cleveland Clinic. Genuine laughter can improve blood flow in a way similar to aerobic exercise. When you laugh, your heart rate increases, your breathing deepens, and more oxygenated blood circulates through your arteries.
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, which help relax blood vessels by releasing nitric oxide, reducing the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. Simultaneously, laughter reduces stress hormones like cortisol, which constrict blood vessels and strain the heart. Remarkably, the benefits last up to 45 minutes after you laugh.
So, while many spend hundreds on gym memberships, laughter—a natural and free source of joy—helps your heart stay healthy. Laughter may be the best medicine after all.