Stress is the silent killer! It's an epidemic in the west. It's a symptom in the top 6 leading causes of death. In fact, over two-thirds of doctor's visits each year are due to stress-related illness. Stress takes a toll on us physically, mentally and emotionally.
CNN Health reported 8 out of 10 Americans are stressed out because of the economy. According to the survey by the American Psychological Association, "The declining state of the nation's economy is taking a physical and emotional toll on people nationwide, and it is women who are bearing the brunt of financial stress."
"We have a significant number of people reporting physical signs and symptoms of stress: muscle tension, headache, difficultly falling asleep," Nordal said. "People need to pay attention to the warning signs of stress."
Have you been feeling the warning signs of stress? Those signs are letting you know you aren't managing stress as well as you think. If you leave it unattended, it can lead to a significant illness. There is an answer: laughter. Laughter is medicine and benefits are numerous.
- Physical Health Benefits: Boosts immune system, lowers stress hormones, decreases pain, and improves circulation
- Mental Health Benefits: Improves mood, relieves stress, eases fear & anxiety
- Social Benefits: Laughter bonds a group of people, enhances teamwork, strengthens relationships and laughter is contagious it attracts people.
How do you incorporate laughter into your life? There are two kinds of laughter: solo and interactive. Whether you are around people or by yourself, you can increase your laughter. It depends upon your situation. Here are some suggestions for both:
- Solo: If you are by yourself you can watch comedies, either TV or movie, YouTube.com has many funny video clips, read funny books or comics (Dave Barry & Peter McManus are two of my favorites), and listen to audio recordings of comedians (Pandora.com has a comedy channel)·
- Interactive: Find laughter in the company of others: Go out to a comedy club, play with a pet, interact with children, hang out with someone who makes you laugh, go to the theater or attend a laughter yoga class. Another favorite is watch a funny movie with a friend and randomly quote it back to each other over the next few days.
Increasing your laughter is about developing a humor mindset and looking for the humor in your life. Whatever you choose to focus on expands. Take a look at your life and write down all the places you currently have laughter. Which friends make you laugh, activities, pets, TV shows or Movies? Then make a point to schedule some of those things or people into your calendar. Laughter is closer than you think!
Christiana Carter is a laughter specialist. In January 2002 a natural healer told Christiana that she didn't laugh enough and it was affecting her health. He prescribed laughter and since then she has transformed her life with it. Now her passion is helping others reclaim their lives with joy and laughter by showing you where it already exists and how to expand it exponentially.
For great tips, tools and videos visit her website http://benefitsoflaughter.com. Now you can laugh yourself healthy and joyful too!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christiana_R_Carter
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