“To live better…laugh more.”
2006 Self Improvement Online, Inc
Are you feeling stressed, tired, over-worked, over-whelmed, up-tight, anxious, or depressed…or maybe all of the above!? You are not alone as many have these feeling every day. So how do we combat these harmful feelings that bring us down and negatively impact our lives? I know of one simple solution that may not solve all of our problems, but that will truly help our lives.
Medical research has proven that laughter is a simple antidote to negative feelings. Not only is laughing enjoyable and fun, but it’s an extra ingredient to good health. In fact, many wellness programs are beginning to implement laughing and humor as part of their wellness plan, because the health benefits are numerous. Indeed laughter can alleviate depression, lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and increase oxygen and energy. It can also provide perspective and balance in our life, while helping us relax and stop taking ourselves too seriously. These are simply a few ways laughter can benefit our health and our lives.
Besides personal benefits, laughter also provides social wellness. Victor Broge once said, “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” Laughter has also been called "social glue", because "people who laugh together, bond together". Laughter builds instant rapport and immediately lowers any tension or anxiousness that may exist between people. In the end, people enjoy being around those who laugh frequently and easily.
Laughter and humor also positively impacts those around us. Laughter can quickly improve a tense or negative situation and/or brighten someone’s day. A little bit of humor can quickly dispel anger, aggression, hatred, and nervousness. Laughter can be contagious as it spreads through a group of people, as well as generous--helping all to feel better.
Finally, research shows that while toddlers laugh 400 times a day on average, adults only average 17 times a day. Thus as adults and as leaders, we must lighten up and laugh more!! As we learn to laugh more, we will be healthier, happier, and help others feel better as well. This will allow us to be better leaders, and it will increase our desire and our ability to perform at our highest level. Learn to laugh and your inner fire will more easily burn.
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