Are you tired of winter, feeling sluggish, or perhaps a little down in the dumps? I have just the cure for what may be ailing you - something to put a little spring in your step. As a matter of fact, this easy-to-get, no-cost prescription is all around you - it's laughter and putting on a happy act.

Hopefully it's no surprise to you that laughter is serious business. It is scientifically proven that humor, laughter and playing a happy role can have dramatic health benefits. In fact, it is an essential, and often overlooked, part of holistic health. Endorphins are the morphine within; and the pharmacy is open 24-7. When you laugh, you breathe deep, sit up straight, and exercise the mind and body. It's a great work out, and sets the stage for improved communication, creativity and productivity.

People with a happier chemistry are happier people and, believe it or not, we can manufacture that chemistry from our inner cellular pharmacy. By learning to act as if you are happy, healthy and vital, even when you don't feel that way, you can change your body's chemistry and begin to feel the way you act. Give it a try! Stand in front of the mirror and let out a 15-second belly laugh. Not just a giggle, an all-out, laugh so hard your belly shakes kind-of laugh. You may feel ridiculous, but do it anyway. As the saying goes - lead with the body, and the mind will follow. We can't always wait until we feel happy. Sometimes we need to laugh, boost our endorphins and then feel happy.

Often times our biggest hurdle is realizing, and accepting, that we have the power within ourselves to change. That we    can fake it 'til we make it.  Yes, health and happiness  play out WELL when we    get our act together.

Here's another tip. If you feel your shoulders hunched forward, your face in a pout and your breathing slow and heavy, try to shake it off - literally. Try "j-arming" or jogging in place while moving your arms. The silliness factor alone should be enough to beat the blues, at least for a while. Just as theater performers use techniques for the stage, you can get into the performance for a longer lifetime and act your way into happiness. In life, we are the actors. It bears repeating, sometimes, to become a happy, youthful, energetic person, you've got to fake it until you make it. Life is a rehearsed performance that eventually becomes a real habit.

Here are some "inner-tainment" suggestions for staying young and healthy and being WELLderly instead of elderly.

 1. Belly laugh in front of the mirror, three times a day for at least 15 seconds

 2. Wear or surround yourself with bright colors

 3. Turn on some upbeat music with a catchy toe-tapping tune

 4. Put your body in motion by J-ogging with the ARMs, pretend to conduct the music on the radio

 5. Maintain a posture that is up, out and forward

I heard about a story of an actress . Her discomfort had no apparent cause, but she wondered if it was due to the part she was playing on stage. "Is it possible my aches and pains are because of the chemistry of this unhappy part? she asked. Do people get into being the part they act?" Absolutely. It's all about chemistry. The reverse is also true - happy chemistry comes from happy roles. Act happy and you'll be happy. Act youthful and you'll feel young. Act out the role you really want.

Write down the word illness. Sometimes, people feel ill because they are totally focused on "I." But if you go out and become a we notice how the word illness changes to wellness.

You can catch and spread a positively infectious HAPPYdemic. If you want to feel active and happy, do it and act it, and soon, you won't have to pretend!!