It appears to be the perfect antidote for stress. In short, laughter stimulates the immune system, off-setting the immunosuppressive effects of stress. The emotions and moods we experience directly effect our immune system. A sense of humor allows us to perceive and appreciate the incongruities of life and provides moments of joy and delight. These positive emotions can create neurochemical changes that will buffer the immunosuppressive effects of stress.
Laughter can provide a cathartic release, a purifying of emotions and release of emotional tension.
Laughter, crying, raging, and trembling are all cathartic activities which can unblock energy flow. Because different people respond differently to the same environmental stimuli, some people seem to cope with stress better than others. One theme that is becoming more prominent in the literature is the idea that a causative factor in burnout is a sense of powerlessness. In this context, humor can be an empowerment tool. Humor gives us a different perspective on our problems and, with an attitude of detachment, we feel a sense of self-protection and control in our environment.