Today I assisted in officiating at a funeral.  My experience has been that if those attending get 1 chance to laugh during the service it lowers the emotional load they carry out of the service.  During the service I reminded the family that the deceased did not like the concept of disposable cups because she would insist they be washed and used again.  As I had hoped the family laughed and it did lighten the mood of the service.

Some would probably argue that laughing at a funeral is not a healthy practice.  I differ with that opinion based on the years of experience I have had leading funerals and the reactions and feed-back I have received from the families involved.

The next time you are stressed out think about a happy memory from your past.  If you feel inclined laugh as you remember it.  I hope once you try that you will see the power of laughter and how it can help us in times of stress.