Laugh your Way Through the Holidays

Laughter really is the best medicine. When we laugh, we inhale deeply, and our hearts and breathing rates increase.  As these levels return to normal, blood pressure falls, muscles relax, stress levels drop and immune system function improves.  We feel relaxed and light hearted. Laughter is a natural stress reducer, so laugh as often as possible.

So many people feel depressed at holiday time. We tend to remember the holidays of the past, often endowing them with more happiness than was actually enjoyed. We remember holidays as Norman Rockwell paintings, with loving grandparents and parents, and happy kids. We don't usually remember being tired, crabby, or uncomfortable from overeating.

Even if our holidays were idyllic, we need to live in the present, looking forward to the future. This Thanksgiving, try to remember to laugh as much as possible. Instead of dwelling on what or who is missing this year, be thankful for those good memories. Share some laughs with family. Watch old family movies, play "Remember the time...." and laugh.  It's good for a healthy mind and body!