For as long as I can remember, I've heard that laughing helps you live longer. While I've never taken these words to heart, I've learned through experience and research efforts that there really are many physical and mental benefits to laughing, which in turn do increase longevity. Although some may think this is weird, I've recently been trying to write down everyday moments in which I find myself laughing out loud with or at friends (sorry) or myself, and sometimes, even tears are involved. That way, if I ever find myself feeling frustrated, stressed, or overwhelmed, I quickly glance at these notes I've taken throughout my days, remembering them and instantly feel better. While it's been difficult for me to remember to do this every day, I'm going to make it a goal in the future.

I can't imagine a life without humor. Laughter increases people's happiness. Laughing is what gets me through the day, and laughter unites people across the world. There is no language barrier to laughing. Infants less than a year old can enjoy a brief laugh even when they don't understand the truth behind the humor.

As I mentioned before, laughter really does make you live longer. If you laugh a lot, there is a good chance that you will be less stressed, sad, or angry. Many studies have been done on laughter, proving the physical, mental, and social benefits to laughing. No one likes a person who doesn't laugh and those who laugh automatically have more fun. A study done at Vanderbilt found that laughing even just 10 minutes a day actually burns 40+ calories. Maybe that's why Taylor Swift is so thin.

Anyways, additional studies at other universities, such as the Loma Linda University in California, have found that laughing reduces stress and pain. Laughing also boosts immunity, relaxes your muscles, increases blood flow to the heart, improves your mood, and more.

Clearly, there are several benefits to laughing, and I've just named a few of them. I know through experience that even just laughing a little bit every day puts me in a better mood and really makes me enjoy life so much more. If you're ever in a bad mood, turn on a funny movie or a T.V. show (anything with Amy Schumer or Melissa McCarthy or Tina Fey), watch funny videos, take a laughter yoga class. The list goes on and on.

Laughing will not only make you happier and feel better, but it will also improve your relationships. I've never met anyone who has disliked a person for laughing too much. So remember to laugh! Make an effort every day, and remember to make other people laugh as well. Be like the Queen.