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By Eric Leins, Staff Writer, myOptumHealth

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Recent research on blood vessels in healthy adults suggests that the laughter generated by 30 minutes of watching comedy can trigger reactions in the body that may help cut the risk of cardiovascular disease. The physical changes brought on by laughing only last about 24 hours. But repeated laughter over time seems to have a cumulative effect that may offer some long-term protection against heart disease.

The best medicine
Regular laughter is on the American Heart Association's list of top 10 ways to refresh yourself and keep a healthy heart. So here are some tips for getting more laughter into your life:

• Turn the frown upside down. Every laugh starts with a smile. If you want the rush of endorphins brought on by laughter, you should give the world a grin.
• To feel great, be grateful. If you like making lists, jot down all the things you are happy to have in your life. If you don't like making lists, spend time thinking about those things. The more you focus on the positive things in life, the more distanced you are from the negative. And that makes you feel better mentally, emotionally, and physically.
• No inside jokes. If you hear someone laugh, ask what's funny. Typically, people want to share what makes them laugh. This gives you the chance to laugh and them the chance to laugh again.
• Keep good company. Spend time with people who laugh easily, especially folks who can laugh at themselves and at life's quirky moments.
• Initiate giddy. Find chances to ask people about funny thoughts and events. "What was the funniest thing that happened to you all day?" is a nice way to get you and the people around you in the mood to laugh.
• Laugh at yourself. You don't have to be hard on yourself, but the less seriously you take yourself, the more you feel at ease.
• Be childlike. Put a humorous toy on your desk at work. Play with a kid. Post a photo of you having fun. Do whatever it takes to remind you that life always has a lighter and brighter side.
• Practice perspective. It may not actually cause you to laugh, but understanding what is under your control and what is not can help you focus on positive things instead of dwelling on negative things. When you do, you'll find that laughter comes much more easily.