Stress? Hmm, can’t say that I know what that is. In the last 48 hours, I received a phone call from E’s preschool teacher that he was feeling so sick that I needed to race over to get him. Brought him home and he threw up. Burned Roasted my asparagus last night till they were a deep and lovely BLACK(ish) hue. Not stressful.

Had no gas in my van this morning and no cash, checks or debit card. After going to the bank, I was followed by a police officer. I was pretty certain he might be just staring in envy at the back side of my mom van – because well, it’s super hip to drive a vehicle that can seat 7. Can’t say I blame the guy. Psh.

It was either this or an act of intimidation by following me for 5 miles through town, down back roads and even into someone’s drive way which definitely did not happen, so my guess is the hip mom van hypothesis but whatever. Totally not stressful.

Just a healthy dose of extreme adrenaline. *slapping forehead*

So if there is some crazy sky-diving twenty-year old guy with big muscles and daring attitude that would wimper in your shoes – let’s talk! Today I feel  fortunate to have Shelley Galbreath, author of an inspirational woman’s book on dealing with stress, here to discuss stress and women!

Stress is something that’s hard to avoid, especially in today’s fast-paced environment. Some days I wonder what the world would be like if there wasn’t stress. Mmmm…just the thought of it makes me smile and momentarily eases the tension in my neck and shoulders. That’s complete fantasy, though. Stress isn’t going anywhere on its own.

Let me ask you a question, a question that initially you may think has nothing to do with stress, but let me assure you – it actually does.

When is the last time you laughed – really laughed the kind of laugh that brought tears to your eyes? Not counting the random chuckles, smirks, and grins that are shared in everyday conversation, how many times in a day, a week, a month, do you really laugh?

Can’t remember? Don’t worry, most of us can’t. Life has become so stressful and time-filled that we seldom slow down long enough to find the humor in everyday life. Laughter, though, is a necessary component to overall well being. Therapeutically, laughter not only lightens the mood, but also has far-reaching healing effects on the body.

Studies support laughter boosts the immune system by reducing the dangerous stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol, in the body. Some researchers suggest laughter has much the same effect as aerobic exercise on the body – relaxing and warming the muscles, nerves, and heart, as well as cleansing or ventilating the lungs. Don Colbert, M.D., in his book, Deadly Emotions, writes “Laughter is an infectious and spontaneous response that begins with a smile. Smiles are built into you – it’s up to you to choose to express them.  So…choose to smile,” notes Colbert. He suggests joy is a choice and so is misery, but by choosing joy, by choosing to smile, people will feel more and more like smiling. ““Laughter comes on the heels of smiling,” writes Colbert. “So even if you don’t feel like smiling, smile!”

Now that you know the benefits of laughter, what are you waiting for? Show those pearly whites! Rent some movies (comedies of course!), read the comics, buy a joke book or just sit back, relax and burst into bouts of belly laughter for no reason at all. In no time, you will laugh your stress away.

Written by Shelley Galbreath, Author of Discouraged Moms’ Devotions to Go, www.shelleygalbreath,com www.morethanwordsforwomen.com

Thanks Shelly for these insightful tips! I have a great husband who helps me find humor in just about everything (sometimes I have to plead with him for a serious answer) but I tell him all the time – he will probably live to be like 150 years old. I wonder what it’s like to kiss a 150 year old? Just sayin!

In honor of laughing – found some cute cartoons to close up with…