Laughter for Stress Relief

Separation and divorce produce so many different layers of stress that "overwhelmed" can become the only honest response to "How are you?" Wherever you are in the process, it's the right time to learn and use positive stress relievers. Make them a regular item in your schedule.

Some of us find that the laughter boost we get alone really blossoms when we share the experience with friends and family. That doubles your stress-relief, first with socializing, and then with the laughter itself. Funny movies, videos (I still like "Shrek I" for grown up laughing), games, singing, dancing, you can even make a game out of planning laughter get togethers!

We've all experienced the simple feel-good and sleep-better benefits of laughing, but here's the rest of the story. The Mayo Clinic web site informs us of the physiological benefits of laughter: 

Stress relief from laughter? It's no joke

By Mayo Clinic Staff

A good sense of humor can't cure all ailments, but data are mounting about the positive things laughter can do.

<>  SHORT-TERM BENEFITS

A good laugh has great short-term effects. When you start to laugh, it doesn't just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body. Laughter can:

* Stimulate many organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.

* Activate and relieve your stress response. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response and increases your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling.

* Soothe tension. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.

          

<>  LONG-TERM EFFECTS

Laughter isn't just a quick pick-me-up, though. It's also good for you over the long haul. Laughter may:

* Improve your immune system. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. In contrast, positive thoughts actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses.

* Relieve pain. Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers. Laughter may also break the pain-spasm cycle common to some muscle disorders.

* Increase personal satisfaction. Laughter can also make it easier to cope with difficult situations. It also helps you connect with other people.

* Improve your mood. Many people experience depression, sometimes due to chronic illnesses. Laughter can help lessen your depression and anxiety and make you feel happier. 

Click HERE to read the full article.

Peace ~

Lin