Young at heart. The best medicines in life are free.

We’re all concerned about aging. Not doubt about it, after a certain number of years have passed, we don’t want to act our age, and we certainly don’t want to look it! Most importantly, I think that most people don’t want to feel the effects that aging can have on our bodies. From tiring more easily to experiencing creaky joints and stiff muscles to coping with serious illness like diabetes and cancer, the very thought of the aging process could be downright depressing if you didn’t have a sense of humor about it. In fact, that sense of humor of yours might be the very thing that keeps you feeling young!

Laughter is serious business. I know this because researchers around the world (who are very serious people!) believe that laughter deserves scientific study. Fortunately, the results of their investigations should leave you feeling downright giddy. Researchers in Japan found that laughter improves the function of the disease-fighting immune system by increasing activity of the Natural Killer (NK) cells. Improved NK activity can help to protect you not only from the next flu bug to hit town, but also from serious problems like cancer.

A good chuckle will also protect your heart. Researchers studying coronary heart disease (CHD) observed that, compared to healthy people, individuals with CHD were significantly less likely to experience laughter during their daily activities and social interactions. If you don’t want to worry about your heart, lighten up a bit!

Scientists concluded this year that laughter affects the production of antibodies involved in allergy, suggesting that laughter must be studied as part of the treatment for allergic diseases. Laughter is also useful in decreasing pain and reducing blood pressure while enhancing creativity. Let’s not forget the fact that a good belly laugh can also improve our mood. Studies show that, while making us feel emotionally better, a good giggle also has a role in reducing stress hormones. This is important, because high levels of the stress hormone cortisol can start an avalanche of reactions that can lead to problems with your health.

Increased adrenal cortisol secretion can cause elevated blood fats and triglycerides, which are dangerous for your heart. Too much cortisol also triggers inflammation, a key problem in several chronic conditions including arthritis and autoimmune conditions like fibromyalgia. Excess cortisol can make you more susceptible to osteoporosis, rapid aging and decreased ability to fight infections. Eventually, chronic stress exhausts the adrenals, leading to low energy, shortness of breath, digestion problems and heart palpitations. And in a vicious circle, stress can turn you into a curmudgeon with no sense of humour.

Learn a few different ways to cope with your stresses, so that you can feel healthier and happier. Find a few moments each day to spend in silent contemplation of the good things in your life. It takes real effort to continue to worry about your next car payment with the image of your happy child or grandchild filling your brain and heart! Spend time focusing on your goals and enjoying your successes. Experts agree that quieting your mind and thinking good thoughts reduces the flow of damaging cortisol, and the benefits last long after you resume your busy day.

Use that positive energy when your thoughts return to yourself as well. Banish negative self-talk from your life. So what if you succumbed to temptation and ate a piece of chocolate cake at your friend’s birthday party? That doesn’t make your newest attempt at a healthy lifestyle a failure. Instead of being disappointed in yourself for falling off the diet wagon, the next time you make a decision to indulge yourself make sure to savour the experience. Draw out every ounce of pleasure that you can. Realize, as well, that being in the company of those friends at the birthday party is good for your health.

People who surround themselves with friends, family and social groups are much happier that those who don’t. Besides, it’s much more likely that you’ll find something to laugh about when you are with other people than you would if you were sitting alone in your livingroom! Surround yourself with positive people who share your youthful enthusiasm for the adventure of life. Stay away from people who criticize your quest for happiness, and situations that drain your energy.

And, of course, the next time you find yourself stressed, heart racing, all by yourself, and you can’t imagine a good outcome for the latest pickle you find yourself in, just laugh your best, phony laugh. Researchers have learned that forced laughter also has a positive influence on mood—and it’s a whole lot more fun than crying!

Staying young at heart really is all in your attitude and how you choose to live your days. Find healthy ways to cope with stress, surround yourself with people you enjoy, and remember the wise words of Mort Walker: “Seven days without laughter makes one weak.”