5 Ways to De-stress in-JOY: Go Ahead, Laugh It Off!

Laughter is an effective stress-management tool that can lead to better overall health as well as a more "in-JOY-able" way to deal with some of life's more stress-FULL circumstances. When we laugh, it naturally reduces the level of stress hormones, epinephrine and cortisol, in our bodies while increasing our body's natural painkillers, or endorphins. Laughter helps us relax, in-JOY, and feel GO[o]D in the moment, as we enlighten-up in a fun and positive way. Laughter promotes peace... within our selves, and within our world... here-and-now. So next time your feeling stressed, why not try and laugh it off. Here's how:

(1) Start With a Smile... Then Laugh for No Reason
Studies show that if you "force" a smile on your face, even if your external circumstances don't warrant it, or you don't feel "happy" inside; it will force the release of endorphins in your body and trigger a "happy response" in your brain that can actually lead to you feeling more happy, rather than just looking happy. Go ahead. Try it! Put a smile on your face... and before you know it... laughter will follow... fake it till you make it.... and the stress in your life will melt away more readily.

(2) Take a Laugh Break Instead of a Coffee Break
Lay off the caffeine and allow a giggle instead. Take a few minutes, throughout your day, to just step back, relax, and in-JOY a good laugh. Through your hand in the air, tilt your head back and let it all goooooo with a big HA HA HA...HO HO HO!!! =:o)

(3) Maintain a Sense of Humor -- Tell Some Jokes
When is the last time you've heard a good joke, or better yet, told one your-Self? I guarantee, you can turn your stresses into fun with an "in-JOY-able" attitude shift if you simply focus on maintaining a sense of humor and try telling a few more jokes in your daily life instead. With a light-hearted attitude, events that would normally stress you out become "laugh-able" moments, humorously absurd, and great copy for good jokes.

(4) Move Towards Laughter
Actively seek out fun and laughter instead of waiting for it to come to you. Watch funny movies and shows, read comic strips, go to a comedy club, see what's so funny "over there"... Find out what everybody else is laughing about. Don't wait for your life circumstances to make you happy, make your life circumstances more "in-JOY-able" by choosing to bring more laughter and fun into your life, no matter what your life circumstances may be.

(5) Find a Funny Buddy to Play With
Find somebody to laugh, play, and be silly with. Make a regular play date with this person. Then make a pact with each other to simply "let go" and "have fun" whenever you get together. Go to the park, swing on the swings, slide down the slides. Do whatever makes you feel GO[o]D! Go ahead... LIVE! LAUGH! LOVE! in-JOY your time together! Just be... child-like and care-FREE!