It’s long been said that laughter is the best medicine, but now we understand more about how it affects us physiologically. With enough chuckles, you can actually lower your blood pressure, strengthen your immune system, improve your cognitive function, and even expedite healing.

All in all, laughter is too often left off the checklist for healthy living, mainly because people forget to lighten up. When in doubt, aim for a lighthearted cackle with these funny bone ideas:

• Tickle your senses. Turn off the drama and pop in a classic sitcom. Try comedy radio shows. Or read funny literature.

• Replay amusement. Recall a humorous anecdote or funny conversation with a friend. A situation that once brought you laughter will likely do it again as a rerun.

• Gravitate toward emotional sunshine. Sit with coworkers who laugh aloud, or call a funny friend. Laughter truly is contagious, so become infected by those who do it often.