Laughter for Health and Vitality: Norman Cousins' "Laughter Therapy" and the Remarkable Stress-Relieving Effects of Exercise

Learn to say "no." If you feel you're doing too much, perhaps you should set limits on what you're willing to do. Besides caring for others, taking care of yourself is also crucial. If you can't find helpful information in these suggestions, you can seek help from a professional counselor. Perhaps your family, friends, or doctor can recommend someone who can help you solve your problems. The importance of laughter. Another way to release stress is through laughter, which can reduce cortisol (a stress hormone that also causes elevated blood sugar levels). Laughter can increase endorphins, substances that make us feel happy. Additionally, laughter contains a biochemical enzyme that can prevent stomach ulcers.

Besides reducing stress, laughing for 10-15 minutes a day can burn an extra 40 calories. Other benefits of laughter include: anti-aging effects by reducing cell degeneration, and improved mental function, alertness, memory, and interpersonal skills. Laughter can boost immunity by increasing the number of lymphocytes in the body. (Lymphocytes are white blood cells and a component of the immune system. They kill harmful bacteria that invade the body.) During flu season, hearty laughter can increase antibodies in saliva, which can prevent upper respiratory tract infections. Laughter can help improve cardiovascular function by lowering blood pressure and heart rate, increasing blood oxygen levels (which also helps burn fat), and accelerating blood circulation.

In addition, laughter is also considered a form of exercise because it helps maintain abdominal muscles. Laughter also helps relax muscles throughout the body, relieving muscle tension caused by stress. Norman Cousins, an author, journalist, professor, and advocate for world peace, was born in 1912 and passed away in 1990. He received 50 honorary degrees and numerous awards throughout his life. He studied the biochemistry of human emotions and believed that positive emotions could help people overcome illness. He suffered from heart disease for many years and was diagnosed with cancer in 1977. However, his cancer eventually improved because he consistently used his "laughter therapy" combined with love, faith, hope, and a positive attitude. Norman enjoyed watching the Max Brothers' movies and said, "I found that ten minutes of silvery laughter could act as an anesthetic, at least allowing me to sleep for two hours without pain." He also considered laughter a form of exercise, explaining, "A heartfelt laugh is equivalent to jogging indoors; you don't even need to go outside."

Physical exercise. A key aspect of stress management is relieving stress through physical activity. If you use exercise to relieve stress, you'll also gain stronger bones and muscles, a faster metabolism, more energy, and increased resistance to disease. You can release pent-up energy related to stress. This can shift your focus away from the causes of stress and improve your mood. People who consistently exercise generally eat better without any physical activity. Eating well helps manage stress, and you're more likely to lose weight in the process. Competition can effectively help you release suppressed stress hormones. Ask a friend if they'd like to play tennis or another ball sport together. Dancing is also a great form of exercise; try joining a dance club.