Many self-help gurus will tell you that success has many meanings but I argue it only has one true meaning and that is happiness.
Laughing your way to happiness affects all parts of your life. What is the point of being wealthy, rich, and even healthy if you are not happy? Let us look at some of the benefits of laughing and being happy.
Laughter has many positive effects on the human body. It helps take in more oxygen, which allows the cells in the body to pass more waste out of the system. It also aids in keeping stress down. At the Swedish Cancer Hospital in Chicago “Laughter Yoga” is being used regularly during chemotherapy sessions to help patients and caregivers cope with pain and trauma.
Cancer Treatment Centers of America points out that laughter has been used since the early 13th century by doctors to distract patients from pain. Using laughter therapy in conjunction with regular cancer resulted in these benefits for patients.
• Boosts the immune system and circulatory system
• Relaxes muscles throughout the body
• Balance blood pressure
• Relieve pain
• Improves mental function
It has proven so beneficial that laughing has been tested and accepted by the Cancer Treatment Centers of America for use within their programs alongside chemotherapy.
Some companies have now introduced laughter yoga programs to their business environment. Laughter Yoga is a business that has 6000 clubs in over 60 countries. One case study yielded the following results:
• Sales increased by 25% over one year
• Stress levels decreased by 75% over one year
• Increase in loyalty due to the positive work environment
These results stress what laughter can bring to the work environment. They find that when workers have laughter in their environment they take their work more seriously but themselves more lightly making work a better place to be.
Laughing Yoga has also had a great effect for individuals dealing with physical and mental challenges. Physically challenged children have revealed a marked improvement in their motor and expressive skills. As individuals begin to have a decline in their mental faculties, they have a hard time comprehending humour. Laughing Yoga gives them the opportunity to receive the health benefits of laughter.
Businesses have found that laughter can directly affect their bottom line. It is so successful that Laughter Yoda has 6000 clubs in over 60 countries that reach out to individuals and businesses.
When you add in the mental benefits of Laughter Yoga it becomes a great fitness therapy without all the physical stress of a gym. Researchers have even found that 15-20 minutes of laughter can burn enough calories per year to lose 4.4 pounds.
When you put yourself in a position of laughter you become naturally happy. Going forward when life or work seems to have you down, just have yourself a great belly laugh.
Written by Kenneth Lane and Philip Viana
Co-founders of Inside the Positive, Philip Viana and Ken Lane are long time business partners who have been sales and management consultants since 2008. They help people define their personal and professional goals by allowing them to recognize and embrace their passions. Beside personal consultation, the company helps business find better ways to communicate with their staff and set up work groups to help managers lead their subordinates. Ken is an accomplished speaker who is always happy to lead groups in expanding their minds and removing their limitations. Philip is a part time cartoonist and technophile who coaches people on using tools and hacks to help organize their life.
Check us out or email us at Inside the Positive insidethepositive@gmail.com http://www.insidethepositive.com
