INSTEAD OF HO-HO-HO THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, TRY A LITTLE HA-HA-HA!

The holidays are just around the corner, but before you start to stress out, try adding a little humor to your life. Laughter can get you through almost any situation, including planning for the holidays.

(PRWEB) November 6, 2003 --Its that time of year again. The holidays are fast approaching. Thanksgiving is just a few short weeks away and Christmas will be here before you know it. Even now, people are planning and preparing for the upcoming events -- family gatherings, big dinners, Christmas parties, gift-giving -- all fun and exciting times. Unfortunately, these fun" times often bring unwanted stress, exhaustion, and depression along with them. The key is to beat the stress before it gets to you, and Humor Therapist Jacki Kwan has the answer.

When things get hectic, laugh," says Kwan. Nothing can make you feel better than a good, hearty dose of laughter. Positive humor is an antidote for anything." The problem is that people tend to get so caught up in the pressures of planning for the holidays that they often forget to enjoy them. But as Kwan explains, positive humor can ease the weary body, rekindle the fallen spirit, and unite people in ways never imagined possible, which in turn will help you remember what the holidays are all about.

Kwan asserts that because laughter is a pleasurable experience, it helps us to momentarily release stress. When we laugh, we feel lighthearted, carefree, and hopeful," she says. These emotions help us gain a new perspective on the challenge were facing and enable us to feel in control of the situation. Even when you feel youve reached your breaking point, if you can force just a little laugh, you will feel ten times better."

Research shows that people who can sense and appreciate humor are able to buffer the negative mood disturbances they feel in response to stressful life events. If you put forth an effort to include humor and laughter into your daily life, you will be better able to cope with any situation, even planning for the holidays.

Jacki Kwan is a Licensed Certified Social Worker at the Clinical Level, a Master Practitioner of Neuro-linguistic Programming, a Registered Laughter Leader with the World Laugher Tour, and a Therapeutic Clown. She is the creator of HA!HA!LOGY®, a multi-faceted therapeutic humor program for healthcare facilities, and leads Laughter Club sessions at nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the Washington, DC area.

You can learn more about how to beat stress by using positive humor in Jacki Kwans book, Almost Home: Embracing The Magical Connection Between Positive Humor & Spirituality (Cameo Publications, $14.99, ISBN 0-9715739-1-3). If you are interested in reviewing Almost Home or inviting Jacki Kwan to be a guest on your radio/television program, please contact Paula Duncan at 1-866-372-2636 or send an email to paula@cameopublications.com.
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