Health through Laughter
This is not a joke . . .stress kills! And maims millions every year. I've studied the ill-effects of stress and found some interesting information. My first "aha" moment came when I searched several sources for a clear definition of stress.
The 1966 dictionary gave seven definitions of the word stress, with 'emotional or intellectual strain or tension' as its sixth entry . . . not very high on the list. The 2002 reference gave 'stressed-out' it's own listing! The definition was much the same-'tired or nervous from over-work or mental pressure.' The 2005 reference actually listed adverse 
physical symptoms on the human body as: increased heart rate, rise in blood pressure, muscular tension, irritability and depression! What a change in almost 40 years. The definition is basically the same, but a greater importance is now given to our response to stress.
My bulging files of information offer great tips and techniques for reducing stress. Volumes on stress management also offer excellent remedies-however, stress still plagues millions. Research shows that the top killer diseases are stress related. So, I have to ask, what are we missing? Why isn't something working?
Of all the stress-busters available, I want to share my favorite, and most successful natural remedy with you. You've heard that 'laughter is the best medicine' or 'laugh and the world laughs with you.' For those of us who have been around awhile, it seems a bit silly that scientific research has to convince us of the value of laughter.
Psychologists and humor therapists have overflowing offices with stressed out patients. The Association for Therapeutic Humor and others like it have sprung up across America to help us loosen up! Studies show that our 'uptight' response to life contributes to increased heart rate; faster breathing; digestion difficulties; lowered blood sugar and muscle tension & pain. Americans need to take humor more seriously!
Norman Cousins, in his 1997 bestseller, Anatomy of An Illness, enlightened readers on healing and regeneration by including humor, comedy and laughter in his personal recovery process.
The Science of Laughter tells us that when we laugh, our body increases production of natural killer cells, which destroy tumors and viruses and increases production of cells, that protect and improve the immune system. A deep belly laugh increases oxygen in the blood, lowers blood pressure and relaxes the body. Just think, a daily dose of humor may be hazardous to your illness!
Children laugh about 400 times a day. Even chimpanzees laugh! Somewhere along the way to becoming a mature, responsible adult, we lost the gift of spontaneous laughter-and we are sicker and more stressed because of it.
What makes you laugh? I mean really laugh? The kind of laughter that makes your sides hurt. Jokes? Funny movies? Life in general? When we allow ourselves to be open to the 'funny pages of life,' the humorous moments just seem to appear. I keep a laugh folder in my office and when life just isn't fun, I sift through my collection and 'cure' my doldrums. Did you hear the one about the doctor who told his patient his disease was so rare there wasn't even an Internet site for it?
But seriously, folks, humor can keep you healthy, less stressed and add LIFE to your years!
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