Friends- a show that can relieve stress through the beauty of Laughter

Is laughter a medicine than can help relieve stress to all individuals? Whether it’s laughing at a joke, a television show, or just the small things in life, studies have proven that laughter/humor can relieve stress in all environments.
The television show Friends, is a great resource for laughter. I myself have personally experienced going through a tough and emotional time and depended on the show to relieve my stress. Every time I watched Friends, I felt the stress on my body being lifted away. I believe that everyone should have laughter in their life. Without it how can one really relieve their stress? Meditation? Kicking and screaming out our anger or stress? Taking it out on others or on our car by speeding? Some of these forms can be harmful to one and individuals surrounding them. Laughter not only helps relieve stress from an individual, it can also provide happiness.
In Science Daily, “Laughter is the Best Medicine,” Melissa B. Wanzer, EdD, professor of communication studies at Canisius College, explores the affects of humor with three groups of individuals. The three groups were health care providers that dealt with terminally ill patients, employees, and aging adults. She found that all three of the groups used humor to help them relieve stress and cope with life. Professor Wanzer introduces her studies to convince one that laughter/humor is widely used in many work force areas and age groups to help with coping. From my own experience I’ve seen my siblings use laughter as a form to cope and relieve stress. For example, my brother Tong watches Friends or other comedy shows to relieve his stress from his long day of work. Another example, after my husband laughs and enjoys his time with his favorite little sister, his demeanor is definitely changed. This stress that he has built up is all of a sudden lifted from him and becomes suddenly invisible.
As a result I would conclude that laughter not only helps people cope with stress, but definitely can change a person’s demeanor. Laughter is a key essential in life.