When it comes to stress reduction laughter could be what the doctor orders.

Studies have shown that two of the bodys natural healers are released through laughter. These are endorphins, a neurotransmitter that behaves like morphine, and which reduces the intensity of pain; and serotonin, a neurotransmitter believed to play an important role in, among other things, the regulation of mood, sleep and appetite.

Apart from the release of neurotransmitters, around 10 minutes of laughter causes the blood vessels to dilate which reduces blood pressure; especially useful for those suffering from hypertension. There is also an increase in the level of antibodies which improves the bodys immune system.

Ill mention in passing that prolonged, continuous exercise also contributes to an increased production and release of endorphins: this results in a sense of euphoria, commonly called runners high. Exercise then is also an important element in the management of stress. Although perhaps, you, like me, would rather laugh than run your way to improved health!

There is also a growing body of anecdotal evidence for the power of laughter in managing stress. Perhaps the best known comes from Norman Cousins book, Anatomy of an illness, in which the author tells of how, when he was battling a painful degenerative disease, 10 minutes of solid belly laughter gave him two hours of pain-free sleep.

I realise that when you are feeling under pressure probably the last thing you want to do is have a good laugh but when you consider the growing evidence it is certainly worth considering.

OK so how are you going to be able to get yourself into a state when you can apply some of this free, natural medicine? Well to start you need to know what it is that makes you laugh: is it a particular author; a TV comic; a certain movie; certain people?

Having identified the trigger you now need to be disciplined and set some time aside to enjoy it. I realise that time management in itself can be a challenge but you have to start somewhere so be strong and make the time. Just imagine how things will be if you dont.

You will find that once you start your laughter treatment, you will create a virtuous circle. You will start to feel better and the better you feel the better you can cope, and so on.

I know life, both at home and in the workplace, is a serious business but no one says it has to be so all of the time. You owe it to yourself to have a good laugh now and then, but especially now!