Of all the workshops and seminars I do with health care providers on human potential and performance motivation throughout Canada and the United States, the most frequently requested topics are those related to the role of humor in reducing health care stress, improving morale and promoting wellness at home, at work and at play.

While humor can do a great deal to improve our health and relationships it does work more effectively when combined with an ongoing commitment to promoting and fostering appreciation and praise of one another. William James once said that we have a hunger to be appreciated and praised and he is right on the mark in my opinion.

When it comes to the relationships involved in the delivery of health care services we all have our own perceptions based on personal experience or the experiences of others. In many instances these perceptions can result in a lot of stress for a lot of people. We are the products of our perceptions.

Often it is helpful to find others in the same circumstances as we find ourselves and are able to laugh with them at the absurdities of it all. Laughter does tend to help us put things in perspective.

If humor cuts stress in half and promotes relaxation then let’s laugh in the face of health care stress.

Medical cartoon pictures promote laughter and in so doing reduce stress

“If you find something funny search it for hidden wisdom, insight and truth.”

” We don’t see things the way they are. We see things the way we are.”
Anon

The Health Benefits and Bonding Power of Laughter

Laughter isn’t just fun and enjoyable, it’s good for our health. Each month modern medicine is discovering more about the therapeutic dimension of humour and laughter and is encouraging us to add them to our wellness program. You who are involved in health care need to access these same benefits to reduce stress and foster employment enjoyment.

The Health Benefits and Social Benefits of Laughter

When we laugh we…

* lower our blood pressure.
* promote relaxation and reduce stress.
* increase the oxygen level in our blood giving us more energy.
* increase the endorphin activity in our body resulting in a sense of well being.
* are able to keep things in perspective
* banish boredom
* are more socially attractive. People enjoy being with those who laugh easily and often.
* increase our enjoyment of life.

Laughter has been called social glue because it bonds us to the people we laugh with.

The message is clear: The staff that laughs together, lasts together.

If it feels good to laugh then laugh to feel good.