Laughter is something that everyone has experienced or encountered at some point in their life. Whether it was while watching TV, talking with people, listening to a joke or a spur of the moment thing, we all know the great feeling that comes from laughter; mainly because it is a natural reaction in response to a stimulus that is very hard to control. But how is laughter the key to happiness, you might ask?

For one thing, laughter has the ability to lift your spirits and put you in a positive mood. Whether you are feeling down or upset about something, we all know that, regardless of what the circumstance is, if we see something that makes us laugh we start to feel better. We often tend to rely on laughter during the rough patches in our life because it makes us feel good and helps cheer us up. It is for this reason that we may start to laugh or giggle during a serious situation or moment.

Aside from making us feel good or better emotionally, laughter has been scientifically proven to help keep us healthy. Laughter has the capability to strengthen the immune system, lower blood sugar, enhance blood flow and circulation, as well as reduce stress, burdens and conflicts. When we experience physical pain, laughter helps ease the pain and acts a temporary "medicine."

Personally, a time when I found out the significant impact of laughter was when I was really sick and in pain. It helped make me forget about how much I was hurting and lifted my spirits to the point where I became really happy despite the circumstances.

However, one of the most important reasons we laugh is simply because it is contagious. We have all experienced it. One person laughs at a silly thing, and then everyone starts laughing. In most cases, the contagious laugh is no longer directed at the funny thing or situation, but the person's laugh who started the laughing.

One of the best feelings is laughing uncontrollably, because it allows us to live in the moment and briefly forget about all the other commotion going on in our lives. Laughter helps us remain happy in life, because without a laugh here and there, life can get very boring. When we laugh we are able to appreciate the little things life has to offer, and the little comments, acts or moments that make us feel happy and liberated.

Laughter can be thought of as a universal language. Everyone can do it, everyone can use it and everyone can understand it, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity or religion. It's something that doesn't separate us from others -- instead it brings people together. Therefore, next time you hear or see something worth laughing about, don't be hesitant -- do it. Not only does it help you stay healthy, but overall it makes you feel really good about yourself, and it is the ultimate key to happiness in life.