Can laughter or exercise help reduce Anxiety Attacks?

Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol and increases the level of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins. A good belly laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and even works out the shoulders, leaving muscles more relaxed afterward. It even provides a good workout for the heart. Laughter takes the focus away from anger, guilt, stress, and negative emotions. In other words, laughter is good for the soul and the body. When have you not felt good after a hearty, belly laugh? Whether you read the comic section in the newspaper, go out to a comedy show, watch a comedy show on tv, or manufacture a laugh, laughter is therapeutic.

Exercise can decrease stress hormones like cortisol, and increase endorphins, which are your body's ‘feel-good’ chemicals, giving your mood a natural boost. Physical exercise provides a healthy release for negative energy; such as irritability, frustration, and anger.
One who exercises routinely is more fit to fight stress and disease. One who is physically fit has organ systems that are functioning at an optimal level. If this individual should become ill, or injured, or even pregnant, they will demonstrate more stamina and greater resiliency to fight the discomfort . It is also likely that fit individuals will recover more quickly.

Laughter and exercise have another beneficial effect. Most people, when laughing or exercising, do not worry. They are actually resting the nerve cells in the brain that worry, giving those cells time to renew themselves, so they can function normally the next time they are needed. There are other ways of "resting your mind". Dancing, listening to music, reading, working on a craft, playing a musical instrument, and meditation also relieve stress. Any activity which concentrates your attention on a subject other than life's problems will help rest your mind. This allows the brain to renew itself.