Chronic pain got you down? Make a date with a funny friend, rent a sidesplitting movie, or go see some stand-up at your local comedy club. Laughing takes the edge off almost any discomfort. But polite titters won’t cut it. Laugh heartily and unrestrained. And the longer you laugh, the higher your pain tolerance. Researchers found that cracking up for just 15 minutes decreased distress by 10 percent. The reason: Laughing releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that give you a buzz during exercise. Not only do endorphins boost mood, they also bust pain. They’re your body’s natural source of morphine. That’s why exercise can also be a great remedy for people who suffer from chronic pain. Find a workout buddy who makes you howl (with laughter!) and you’ve got yourself a twofer; then send us your favorite lines so we can share them.