- Posted on September 15, 2011
Laugh Out Loud
The New York Times carried an article this week about a recently published study on the benefits of laughter. Oxford evolutionary biologist Dr. Robin Dunbar revealed that the physical act of laughing triggers an increase in endorphins, which in turn increases resistance to pain.
One of the interesting discoveries from this study is that neither the intellectual pleasure from laughter nor the act of casually laughing with a group of people has the same outcome as hearty, physical laughter.
Of course, this research has many implications for patients suffering from severe pain. It also has implications, though, for everyday situations in the workplace.
Many people feel enormous pressure at work and this tension accumulates. Not only can laughter provide a momentary respite from stress and simply help you feel better, but the release of endorphins can literally change your state of mind.
You can't decree laughter. What's funny to one person may draw blank stares from others.
But you know what is funny to you. You can trigger laughter by recalling an incident, looking at a photo or video, or sharing something hilarious with a friend.
I know some people who are so stressed and serious that I wonder if they remember how to laugh. Don't be one of them. Find your funny bone and learn how to recall situations that will make you laugh out loud.
Think about how you can apply this. Laughing out loud might very well protect you when you least expect it.
Have a great week!
Copyright 2011 Lisa M. Aldisert
Quote of the Day
"There isn't a person anywhere who isn't capable of doing more than he thinks he can."
- Henry Ford
On this Day in History
In 1835, Charles Darwin and the HMS Beagle reached the Galapagos Islands.