Fudan University's psychological consultancy center, it was reported last week, has set up a Heartfelt Laughing Club. The center will hold training sessions for students to cope with stress and depression and help them build team spirit.

As part of the program, Li Shuzhen, a psychologist with the center, said: "After building trust between the members, we will practice laughing meditation together, at first with help from a soothing environment, good music and funny masks."

It's no laughing matter.

The university's effort is admirable and other universities may want to follow suit. Laughter is not just a spontaneous reaction to a funny situation. It makes blood vessels work more efficiently. A US study shows that hearty laughter has an effect on the lining of blood vessels (endothelium), similar to the benefits of aerobic exercises. More importantly, it doesn't cause the pain or muscular tension that are often associated with exercise. A daily dose of laughter is also good for the heart.

Unsatisfactory exam results, unsuccessful interviews or missed opportunities all add to stress. Stress and depression are increasingly becoming serious issues affecting both students and workers. Experts have warned that psychological cases, if not addressed in time, may lead to suicide or violence against others.

Let's take a look at a recent finding.

A survey reported last week in Guangzhou's Yuexiu District revealed that 19.4 percent of the elementary students questioned, 28.9 percent of the junior high school students and 36.8 percent of the senior high school students were so worried about their performance and lessons that they suffered from sleep disorders. And 41.7 percent of the senior high school students also had bouts of depression.

The survey also revealed that the problem was not just restricted to Yuexiu District. They exist in almost all the primary and secondary schools in Guangzhou. Even teachers are facing similar problems. About 46 percent of the elementary and secondary school teachers are suffering from mental exhaustion because of work stress, the survey found.

If the teachers, who are the backbone of the nation, find it difficult to cope with the stress, then something is lacking in our education system and we must find ways to deal with the problem. A stress-free environment must be created for our teachers.

How can we fight stress in the workplace?

Let's have laughing rooms at office. Instead of taking a tea or coffee break, let the staff take a break by walking into the laughing room. By laughing out loud, we can find a release from stress and tension.

How effective is laughter therapy? Recent research has been conducted on stressed-out workers to determine the effect of laughter therapy. The researchers found that stress levels were reduced significantly after an hour of laughter and yoga.

Laughter generates positive energy, creates bonhomie and a sense of camaraderie. It helps get rid of ill will and fosters stronger bonds.

Uninhibited laughter clears all negative emotions and helps keep the mind clear, boosting the immune system and relaxing the body. Laughter, it is said, is also an effective painkiller. It increases the level of endorphins, those natural painkillers.

Let us laugh, have fun and make the most of what life has to offer. As W.H. Davies said: "What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare?"

E-mail: zouhr@chinadaily.com.hk

(China Daily 03/30/2007 page10)