Laughing at jokes and pranks may lead to a longer, healthier and more connected life. CNN’s Jacqueline Howard speaks to comedian Roy Wood Jr. and a psychologist about why laughter is important.

Jokes and pranks are more than just sources of amusement; they may contribute positively to our health. According to research, laughter has significant health benefits, including stress reduction and improved immune function. An analysis indicates that laughter can result in a 32% decrease in stress hormone levels, which is crucial as stress can weaken both the immune and cardiovascular systems, increasing vulnerability to poor health.

The tendency to laugh diminishes with age, as children reportedly laugh about 400 times a day, compared to adults, who laugh approximately 15 times daily. Adults can incorporate more laughter into their lives by visiting comedy clubs, engaging with comedians on social media, watching humorous shows, and sharing jokes with friends. Laughter can be included as a daily habit, similar to exercise or having a cup of coffee.

However, there is a warning about going too far with jokes or pranks. If there is any doubt about whether a prank or joke might be excessive, it is advisable to reconsider, as balance is critical for health. A moment of laughter is touted as a brief escape, providing both a mental break and emotional calm.



Here’s why laughter is good for your health

Jokes, pranks, laughter, they all come with surprising health benefits, if done right. To me, the benefits of laughter and comedy are a longer life and more of a connection with strangers. That split second of laughter or a chuckle, that could be enough to calm someone and calm yourself. It's true. One analysis finds when you laugh, it's associated with about a 32% drop in stress hormone levels. If we think about how stress weakens our immune system, weakens our cardiovascular system and kind of increases the vulnerability we have to poor physical health, laughter actually can contradict that. But we tend to lose this propensity to laugh as we age. Research shows that children laugh about 400 times a day, while adults on average laugh only about 15 times a day. Part of the reason why kids laugh more than adults is because kids don't have no bills. I be laughing 800 times a day too. So as adults, what can we do to add more joy to the day? Go to a comedy club. Try following your favorite comedian on social media. Take time to watch a funny show. Say funny jokes or memes in your phone to turn to when you're feeling down. Or even have a laugh with friends. Start adding those things into your regular routine. The same as exercise, the same as coffee. But be warned, things can backfire if you take certain jokes or pranks too far. If I have to ask myself, is this maybe too much? The answer is yes. Because if we're questioning it, then stop and back off. Just like anything else for our health, there is a delicate balance. But if you can sit for a second and laugh, that's a moment of escape for you.

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Kyiv

Ukraine Invasion

Russia hits Kyiv with largest drone attack after Trump-Putin call

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Jerusalem

More than 80 people killed in Gaza in one day

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Global Tariffs

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Gilimanuk

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Manhattan

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Tehran

Iran Strikes

Iran nuclear program degraded by up to two years: Pentagon

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Boise

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Everglades

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Bangkok

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