Feeling good is good for you, so have a laugh, find a hobby or just kick back. Studies show that laughing decreases pain, may help your heart and lungs, promotes muscle relaxation, and can reduce anxiety. Positive emotions can decrease stress hormones and build emotional strength too. Also, leisure activities offer a distraction from problems and a sense of competence. You can keep it together by cracking up: It’s hard to be irritated, worried, or glum when you’re rolling in laughter. Gentle humor often helps defuse a tense situation too.