All the bad economic news prompted me to write a column for MSN called “Is your money making you crazy?” I culled suggestions from therapists and financial planners about how to deal with the anxiety caused by volatile markets, a rapidly decelerating economy and plunging home prices.

Psychiatrist James Gottfurcht talked about the importance of snapping the physiological feedback loop that can make anxieties and tension worse. One of his suggestions: have a good laugh.

So along with taking a multivitamin, exercising daily and getting enough sleep (other ways to combat stress), I try to get in at least one good belly laugh a day. My secret weapon: podcasts of “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me,” the NPR news quiz. At least once a show, someone pops off a one-liner that brings me to my knees (sometimes almost literally–I can’t count the times a “Wait Wait” wisecrack has nearly caused me to fall off the elliptical trainer at my gym).

Laughter may not technically be the best medicine, but it’s a great weapon to have in your arsenal as we get through these interesting times.

TAGS: coping skills, Economy, recession