Top 10 reasons to Laugh

Many people think of laughter in the workplace as an interference or distraction. In reality, however, laughter increases productivity and effectiveness and may decrease absenteeism from physical and mental health problems.
After a hearty bout of laughter, people experience a sense of well-being.
It could be said that ‘a person without a sense of humour is like a car without shock absorbers.’
Read on…


1. Laughter provides an internal workout

A good belly laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and even works out the shoulders leaving muscles relaxed afterwards.
It provides a good workout for the heart too. Some people refer to it as “internal jogging”!

2. Laughter helps us to connect with each other and builds relationships

Laughter lowers inhibitions and is the same across all ages and cultures.
It synchronises the brains of speaker and listener so that they are emotionally attuned. [Robert Provine, Ph.D.]
Laughter establishes a positive climate and a connection between people.


3. Makes you look young.

Laughing requires as many as 15 muscles to squeeze facial muscles in to a smile.
This act increases the blood flow around the face making you look younger.

4. Laughing boosts the immune system.

Laughing increases the amount of immunoglobulin and T cells in the body - our body’s natural defense mechanism.

5. Decreases stress.

Laughing instantly reduces stress hormones levels and hence is one of the most effective ways to reduce effects of stress.  
Blood pressure drops after we laugh, heart rate and breathing slow down and muscle tension decreases.

6. Laughter is contagious.

It not only lifts our spirits but also of others around us.
Humourists  are always in demand. A single humorous person can lift the spirit of everyone around him/her.

7. Provides a distraction

Laughter brings the focus away from negative emotions and stress in a more beneficial way than other distractions.
An interesting fact:  
-    children laugh 300-400 times a day during their important formative years
-    adult laughter is reduced to just 10-15 times a day

8. Changes Perspective

Humour gives us a more lighthearted perspective and helps us view events as challenges thereby making them more positive.
Laughing at our mistakes is much less stressful than losing sleep over them.

9. Laughter increases our energy level.

It’s a natural pick-me-up, increasing our intake of oxygen, and releasing toxins.

10. Laughter is very attractive!

A sense of humour is the No.1 romantically attractive trait.



Information provided by:
Gwyn Hayward-Ryan
B.A., M.Phil. T.T.C.,
Certified Coach; IAC-CC
Personal and Professional
64 9 413 7374
gwyn@movingforwardcoaching.co.nz
www.movingforwardcoaching.co.nz