Laugh More - American Society of Employers - Mary E. Corrado

Laugh More

Happy New Year.  I typically don’t make New Year’s resolutions - mainly because I never keep them.  But I do take this time to reflect on both my personal and work life and see where I can make improvements.  I recently came across a very interesting article that inspired me.

The article read almost like a poem and was written by Marisa Donnelly.  It was entitled “I Hope You Learn to Laugh Again.”  I’d like to directly quote the lines that inspired me the most:

And so, today, I only hope for one thing: I hope that you learn to laugh. I hope you smile.  I hope that smile grows. I know sometimes you feel defeated, and you don’t want to believe in goodness, because goodness has failed you time and time again. I know you ache, I know.

But I hope you learn to laugh today.

What I love about this is that it reminds me never to take life too seriously – personally or professionally.  There will always be stressors, people will let me down from time to time, and bad things will happen.  But it’s so important to remember that it’s OK and good to laugh. Laughter is a healing medicine.  And you have you ever noticed that it’s contagious?  When I hear someone joyfully laughing I can’t help but to also laugh.

Researchers have found that laughter draws people together in a way that triggers both physical and emotional positive changes in the body.  Did you know laughter reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, strengthens the immune system, and is even shown to diminish pain?  Laughter really does improve health:

Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good laugh can relax your muscles for up to 45 minutes.

Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies.

Laughter triggers the release of endorphins.  Endorphins are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. They promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure.

Laughter burns calories. One study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn about 40 calories - which technically would be enough to lose three or four pounds over the course of a year.  Every little bit counts, right?

Laughter reduces the effects of anger. Sometimes you just need to laugh at a situation.  Nothing diffuses anger and conflict quicker than a shared laugh. Looking at the humor in a situation can often help put the issue at hand into perspective.

So when you are having a stressful day, remember to laugh.  Look at everything in a bigger perspective.  You’ll feel better and so will those around you.  Your home and work environment will become more positive and enjoyable. Life is short.  Laugh a little more.  To help you out here are two jokes that I hope will make you laugh:

A young executive is leaving the office late one evening, when he finds the CEO standing in front of a shredder with a piece of paper in his hand.

“Listen,” says the CEO, “this is a very sensitive and important document here, and my secretary has gone for the night. Can you make this thing work for me?”

“Sure,” the young executive says.

He turns the machine on, inserts the paper, and presses the start button.

“Excellent, excellent!” says the CEO as his paper disappears inside the machine. “I just need one copy.” 

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My boss asked me today, “Do you believe in life after death and the supernatural?”

I replied, “Yes, I think so.”

“I thought you would,” he said. “Yesterday after you left to go to your grandmother’s funeral, she phoned up to talk to you.”

I like hearing your opinion.  Feel free to share your perspective on laughter with me at [email protected]. I heard from several of you regarding the recent blog on Introversion.  It’s always nice to find others who are introverted by nature, but need to utilize extrovert qualities in their work life like I do.  I appreciate you sharing your experiences with me.

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