They say that laughter is the best medicine, and they are right. Whoever “they” are

The Bible says blessed are they who can laugh at themselves.

In dealing with panic attacks, GAD, social anxiety disorder, and agoraphobia, I have found that laughing is a wonderful tool for recovery. The importance of laughter and having a lightheartedness cannot be underestimated.  I make sure to laugh out loud at every opportunity and I encourage you to do the same.

But I don’t have a funny movie to watch or I don’t feel like laughing.

Fair enough.  You don’t need any special props for this.  Anyone can do this, even Scrooge!  Did you know that there is such a thing as Laughter Therapy?  It’s true and it works.  In fact,  in 2006 the Pentagon trained military families on how to use it. With loved ones deployed overseas, these families were under tremendous stress.  Laughter therapy helped them.

But you don’t need to go to a therapist or pay someone to find out how to do this. It’s simple as pie. To do, just go to a place where you have some privacy, and…laugh.  That’s right, laugh.  Just laugh—laugh out loud.  Continue to laugh for a full minute.  You might even find the exercise amusing and actually enjoy it – if so great. If not, just keep going until you need a break.  Time yourself with your watch and try to make one full minute. Once you stop, notice how good you feel.  You really got your blood flowing, and believe me, you have just decreased your stress naturally.  Good for you!

I wish you peace,

Jill G.

ps. Something to smile about:  there are a number of effective anxiety self help programs available to panic attack sufferers today. See which one is right for you or if you like, you can work with me . Please get started today and reclaim your life from fear.

photo credit: apdk

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