I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose. ~~Woody Allen

If you are stressed and overwhelmed from trying to handle your unmanageable to-do lists, there is one especially powerful, free, beneficial remedy available to you — laughter!  Laughter relieves tension, makes us feel more expansive and hopeful, helps change our perspective — and it’s fun!

You’ve heard that “laughter is the best medicine,” and indeed laughter does provide a host of physical, emotional and social benefits.

• Laughter is strong medicine for your body. Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain and conflict, and heals and renews your body and soul. It  boosts immunity, lowers stress hormones, decreases pain, relaxes your muscles and reduces heart disease.
• Laughter helps you feel good emotionally. And that feel-good high remains after your laughter subsides. It relieves stress, improves your mood, reduces anxiety, makes you more resilient and adds joy to your life.
• Laughter strengthens your relationships. Laughing and playing with others triggers positive feelings and fosters emotional connection. It helps you express your true feelings, be more spontaneous and less defensive.

A day without laughter is a day wasted. ~~Charlie Chaplin

People who place high demands on themselves in general are particularly vulnerable to ratcheting up the stress level around the holidays, trying to accomplish in a few weeks what  a team of personal assistants could not handle. If this sounds like you, besides doing less to accomplish more, consider scheduling — yes! scheduling! (you’re worth it) — laughter into your day.

At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities.
~~Jean Houston

Read a funny book, watch a funny movie, seek out a funny friend, go to a comedy club, play with children or your pets, engage in any activity that brings you joy …. do whatever it takes to belly laugh every day!

If you’re desk-bound and need a laugh in the middle of the day, there’s a lot of humor to be found on the internet. Here are some of my favorite sites:

• The Content Farm — tongue-in-cheek how-tos, like How to Commit the Perfect Murder,  and How To Walk in High Heels.
• The Onion — irreverent take on real current events.
• Comedy Central Stand-Up — jokes and videos by the funniest people on the planet.
• YouTube – search “laughing baby” or “funny pets” or “bloopers” or …. you get the idea!

So, go ahead. Release yourself from the prison of taking action for action’s sake. Replace some items on your to-do list with things that bring you fun and laughter. Snort! Giggle! Guffaw! Chortle! Double over and slap your knee ….. and watch your joy unfold.