Well it happened again, a familiar slapstick story comes to life. I arrived at a meeting the other day in time to hear those already present in fits of laughter. Mary, the co-chair, was recounting how she came out of the house with her travel mug filled with coffee in one hand, her purse on her shoulder, cell phone in other hand while hurrying her twin boys into the car with their floor hockey sticks and backpacks. Got the picture!
She then got into the car herself, solved a disagreement between her sons, took a deep breath and backed out of the driveway only to realize that she left the travel mug on the roof of the car – Splat on the ground.
Like the others in the meeting room, I had a hearty laugh. The immediate benefits from the laugh – increased energy and positive feeling – stayed throughout the day. And, we had a very efficient meeting following the laughter.
A good laugh sends oxygen to the brain, shifts your mood to the positive and puts your whole life into perspective. Regular laughter also benefits your immune system and prevents heart disease – Who knew!
I have noticed in recent years how serious everyone is. Smiles that use to be frequent aren’t there anymore. People are looking at finding out what is wrong rather than notice what is right. Anger, anxiety, depression, stress have increased to unhealthy levels in most workplaces impeding productivity.
In my counselling and coaching sessions, I use humour to help clients relax and be more at ease. Laughter is a way to relieve tension. It can help a client shift his mindset and see the troubling issue in a new light – a resolvable light.Contact me and have a session .
“Happiness depends upon ourselves.” Aristotle (400 BC)
Photo courtesy: Simon Johansson
