Reduce Stress By Looking Forward To A Laugh

Laughter may be the best medicine, but just looking forward to having a good laugh can boost the immune system and reduce stress, researchers reported at a meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in Orlando, Florida early in November, 2002. JUST ANTICIPATING a happy, funny event can raise levels of endorphins and other pleasure and relaxation-inducing hormones and lower production of stress hormones, according to the researchers. The main researcher said, "This study shows that even knowing you will be involved in a positive humorous event days in advance reduces levels of stress hormones in the blood and increases levels of chemicals known to aid relaxation." This all suggests that anticipation of a funny event can lower stress and stimulate the immune system. An earlier study in 2000 found that people who reported using humor more often were less likely to have had heart attacks. This current research is the first time that someone has shown anticipation of having fun has similar effects. Lee Berk, an assistant professor of family medicine and researcher in alternative medicine concluded, "You have been thinking about it all day, so you experience a change in biology even before you get there. That is therapeutic." Berk suggested that everyone lighten up a little to live longer. Anticipation can be half or two-thirds the fun.

The Bottom Line

Just the anticipation of fun reduces stress and is good for the body. We've written about this concept repeatedly in the past. Having goals, health objectives, something to work towards are all means of positive anticipation. They are far healthier that worry or wanting to get rid of a health problem. By focusing our attention forwards and fueling it with positive emotion, we help create a positive outcome. "Don't worry, be happy!"