All of us are aware that stress is not good for us.  It interferes with our metabolism which, in turn, inhibits our immune system thus making us vulnerable to chronic diseases.  The good news is that the one of the best tools available for managing our stress is something that’s at our immediate disposal–it’s called laughter.  According to Sandra Scheinbaum, a clinical psychologist at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital near Chicago, laughter can dissolve “distressing emotions.  You can’t feel angry, sad or anxious while you’re laughing.  Laughing is relaxing and recharging.  As Dr. Norman Cousins, the pioneer of laughter therapy in the 1970s put it, “Of all the gifts bestowed by nature on human beings, hearty laughter must be close to the top.”  So take advantage of this gift from nature and make it a point to laugh out loud several times throughout the day.  You’ll not only feel better, but you’ll be happier as well.