A new study suggests that laughter -- or, at least, genuine laughter -- releases endorphins in your brain. These chemicals that activate brain receptors that produce pain-killing and euphoria-producing effects.
Previous research has linked laughter with pain relief. In the new research, the scientists tested dozens of participants' tolerance to pain through various methods.
According to Time Magazine:
“Viewing or participating in comedy led to higher pain tolerance, the researchers found, and there was a dose-related response to laughter: people who laughed more felt less pain later.”