Chortle, Snicker, Laugh, Guffaw!

By Anna Frient

The benefits of laughter are too great to stay straight-faced. Laughter is a mood elevator, a stress reducer, and an aerobic exercise. Studies have shown that laughing 10–15 minutes a day burns 50 calories, tightens your midsection, benefits digestion, and releases endorphins to make you feel good all over. My giggly sister and I have been known to have laughing fests that make our bellies feel like we did a hundred crunches. So to improve your health and trim your waistline, exercise your sense of humor.