I entered the Sisters of Mercy and became a teacher, mainly as a college professor. Since 1980 I have been a full-time professional speaker, doing presentations in 49 of the 50 states, plus Canada, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Saipan. I am a member of the National Speakers Association. Business, health, education, government, and social and church groups invite me to speak. Many do not use this powerful gift given to us by the Creator.
Laughter is an excellent stress reducer whether the laughter is brought on by humor or just evoked.
The subconscious mind doesn't seem to know the difference. Physiology changes occur when we laugh. Muscles are massaged, oxygen flows readily into the lungs, stress hormones are lowered, and immune cell production is increased among other physiological changes. Recently, medical researchers at the University of Maryland found that people with heart disease laughed less than those with healthy hearts. The mind affects the body, and the body affects the mind.