Stress Management

it and the ones who receive it.” One sure way to
cut down on life’s stresses and the negative impact
they have is to reach out and care about others.
Doing so creates a “helper’s high” say some 3,300
volunteers who were recently surveyed. Virtually
all spoke of receiving a “helper’s high,” with nine
out of ten saying they were healthier than other
people their age. Many also reported reductions in
stress, relief from backaches, headaches, arthritis,
asthma, and ulcers.
Consider the example of Judith Weintraub.
At age 35, Weintraub learned she had multiple
sclerosis. The doctor listed symptoms she might
develop, which included double vision to eventual
paralysis. Yet, for nearly two decades, Weintraub
has suffered only minor symptoms. Weintraub
firmly believes she benefits by helping others.
“Every time I help somebody, I get an emotional
and physical rush. I just feel like I’m flying.”
4
Laugh More
“When you’re laughing, your attention
is focused. You can’t do anything else.
Everything else, whether it’s depression or stress,
stops,” notes writer Robert Leone. His observation
is verified by scientific evidence which indicates
that humor seems to inoculate us against
5