The cover story for Newsweek this week is about what anxiety does to your body. I read it with great interest... not because of any great fear of world war. (Don't get me wrong, it is a major concern... but I am fearing something a little closer to home these days.)

The whole roommate fiasco is really starting to wear on me. For the past month, I've been having trouble sleeping... eat once a day... worry constantly that I am going to come home to a raving psycho who can't believe I moved the dog dishes to the basement or something. Two nights ago, I was turning on to my street. There was a bus in front of our house. Any other day, I would have realistically thought, "Oh the boys who live three doors down must be heading out on tour." But no... because I used a bus to move my stuff in, my first thought was, "Oh God, she's there."

According to Life Positive, laughter is the best medicine. (I am usually quick to point out the humor in any given situation... I'm just having a hard time this time.) Among other things, laughter:
• Lowers blood pressure and reduces hypertension.
• Reduces stress hormones (studies shows, laughter induces reduction of at least four of neuroendocrine hormones—epinephrine, cortisol, dopac, and growth hormone, associated with stress response).
• Triggers the release of endorphins—body's natural painkillers.
• Produces a general sense of well-being.

I think that makes a great seque into todays Theme.

Theme Thursday: Laughter


My roommate Tina (above) represents my friends
who keep me laughing these days.