1. Humans learn to laugh before they even learn to speak.
It's true, the ability of laughter is so ingrained into our brains that babies as young as 17 days old have been observed communicating via laughter. Most humans learn how to speak between 18 months and 2 years of age.
2. Laughter isn't always connected to humor.
We all know that one person who is absolutely terrible to have around in serious moments. You might even be that one person, that person who has a habit of laughing at the worst times. Well studies show that people's brains can also signal laughter as a way of breaking up a serious moment in hopes to boost the mood of people around them.
3. Not just humans can laugh.
Chimpanzees, apes, and orangutans make laughter-like sounds in response to physical contact such as wrestling, play chasing, and of course tickling! They aren't the only ones though! Rats also make higher pitched sounds in response to playing with each other and being tickled by humans.
4. Laughing burns more calories then you think.
Research has shown that by laughing just 15 minutes a day a human can burn between 10 to 40 calories depending on the intensity of the laughter. So which would you rather do? Laugh for an hour a day or walk a mile? They both burn the same amount of calories.
5. Laughter really is the best medicine.
Laughing helps to release physical tension and leaves your muscles feeling more relaxed for up to 45 minutes. Laughter also boost the immune system and decreases stress hormones.
6. Believe it or not there is a science behind laughter.
Gelotology is the study of laughter and and its effects on the body from physical and psychological perspective. Gelotologists have invented a form of therapy called Laughter Yoga which is somewhat similar to traditional yoga. It is an exercise which incorporates breathing, yoga, and stretching along with lots of laughter!
7. Laughter really is contagious.
Studies have shown that hearing and seeing laughter sends a signal to the muscles in the face to join in the fun. I guess the saying "Laugh, and the whole world will laugh with you." really is true.
8. Everyone laughs in the same language.
Laughter is one of many sounds that doesn't have any specific language. All over the world people show their happiness in the same way, by laughing and smiling.
9. WARNING: Laughter can also kill you.
Death from laughter is usually a result of cardiac arrest or asphyxiation caused by a fit of laughter. The first historical death by laughter was King Martin of Aragon who died in 1440 due to a combination of indigestion and laughter.
