Anyone who knows me knows that I love to laugh! There’s nothing better to me than to spend time with my mom, my sister or other people in my life who I can laugh and share great energy with. Aside from being just plain fun, laughter is actually quite healthy – hey, where do you think the saying “laughter is the best medicine” came from?

As mentioned in this article on stress management, laughter increases some “positive” hormones in our bodies, like endorphins, and decreases some “negative” hormones in our bodies, like adrenaline and other “stress” hormones. A good laugh also provides physical exercise for the stomach muscles and the heart, and laughter helps to build social bonds between people especially when in group settings.

There’s plenty of comedy on TV, but it’s better to laugh with friends. New York (and other major cities) has no shortage of comedy clubs and other outlets for laughter. One of my favorites is the Times Square Arts Center (formerly the Laugh Factory) right outside Times Square; please, don’t pay full price at the door, there are always representatives in Times Square selling 2-for-1 tickets. There are many others, some of which frequently have surprise visits from famous comedians like Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle.

Go on, get your laugh on and have some fun this weekend!

‘Funlayo