A belly-laugh relaxes the body and reduces tension. Laughter releases natural drugs into the bloodstream, which make us feel pleasure. We feel more confident, optimistic, and attractive after a good laugh with good reason: our bodies are in a similar state of arousal to sexual arousal. We're breathless, our heart rate increases, circulation is heightened, and the skin has a faint flush. Perhaps this is why laughing with someone for a few minutes can bond us more effectively than talking with them for hours.