The adage “laughter is the best medicine” certainly suggests that a good laugh is good for one’s health. Although laughter might not mend a broken wrist or eradicate every disease, UCLA Health notes a number of surprising physiological and mental benefits of a good laugh. Here are a handful of ways laughter can impact the mind and body.

Reduces stress: Laughter significantly lowers levels of cortisol and epinephrine. The Physiological Society says one study found that even a single laughter session can reduce cortisol levels by nearly 37 percent.

Boosts immunity: Laughing can increase the production of antibodies and activates Natural Killer cells, which help the body fight off viruses and even some tumor cells, indicates Providia Family Medicine.

Pain relief: By triggering the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers, laughter can ease pain. The U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs says patients in clinical trials who watched comedies reported a higher pain tolerance and required less medication than those who did not watch such programming.

Ease anxiety and depression: Laughter can stimulate the release of dopamine and serotonin. Researchers at Harvard University say that laughter stimulates the reward centers of the brain. This makes a person feel happy in the moment and helps build long-term emotional resilience as well.

Perspective change: It is hard to feel amused and anxious at the same time. So laughing can provide a change of attitude and perspective. It also can provide a necessary emotional reset.