Laughter

Laughing our way to Workplace Wellness

Humour in the workplace is not only a vital component in stress reduction, but key to working together as a team. Last summer I was heading to a meeting when I saw a group of people having their picture taken with a huge sign that read “Shrek Rules” and they were wearing bright green Shrek ears. This put a huge smile on my face and it had the same...

Top 10 ways to keep laughing

You’ve just attended a laughter seminar or a laughter yoga session and you feel great! You want more laughter in your life because it reduces stress, boosts productivity and improves relationships. Here are some quick tips to help you continue laughing. Start your day laughing After your coffee and breakfast, have a laugh before you walk out the door to start your day. Remember Laughter Yoga’s Fake it until you...

Reducing Stress One Laugh at a Time.

In today’s workforce, it doesn’t matter whether we’re the CEO or a front line customer service representative – we all face stress. We’re often expected to work longer hours and do more with fewer resources. All the technology geared to making us more efficient simply means that we’re a phone call or email away – goodbye downtime, hello stress. In fact it’s one of the top two reasons for...

Laughter Yoga Activities

Hearty Laughter Raise both arms toward the ceiling, tilt head back and laugh. Introduction Laughter Introduce yourself and laugh. Say something else about yourself and laugh. Milkshake Laughter Mix your shakes up and then 1) drink them 2) then toss them on everyone. Greeting Laughter Shake using right hand, introduce yourself and laugh. Next without letting go, shake with the left hand, and the other person introduces themselves and...

Emerson Poem

I recently discovered this poem when I was doing some de-cluttering on the Labor Day weekend.  It reminds me of what is really important in life and enables me to refocus my priorities. It inspires and grounds me; I hope you find it inspiring too. Success To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest...

Death By Laughter Poem

I found this poem a few years ago and loved it. I thought you would appreciate it as much as I did.  Enjoy! Death By Laughter Some people measure their lives in pulse rates and sit-ups. Far better to measure yours in licks of ice creams, well- told jokes, mad dashes to be first in water, belly laughs. And, when you die, it won’t be an erratic shift in...

Video Weekly Tip: Stress Relief with Wendy Woods

Take a break and watch Wendy Woods, Principal of Watershed Training Solutions, walk you through all the benefits of one of her favourite stress relievers: laughter. For more information about Watershed Training Solutions and stress management tools, strategies and workshops, check out https://www.watershedtraining.ca/

Need a Break from Work? Laugh!

Laughter is the perfect break; it reduces stress, improves immunity, and boosts moods just to name a few benefits.  As Milton Berle said “Laughter is an Instant Vacation” so take a mini holiday even if it is at work. Here are a few quick ways to start laughing: Take a break with your favourite cartoons or funny quotes. Here are a couple of resources to get you started: (cartoons) ...

Top 10 Reasons to Laugh

Top 10 Reasons to Laugh as suggested by Dr. Madin Kataria Laughing is a great activity that just seems to brighten everyone’s day. It helps both mentally and physically and makes you feel great. Here are the top ten reasons to break in a good laugh. 1.   Laughter is a stress buster. 2.   Laughter strengthens the immune system. 3.   Laughter is anti-aging. 4.   Laughter is aerobic exercise 5.  ...

Seven Ways to Reward Employees without Breaking the Bank (Plus a bonus for when you have funds)

The downturn has left many companies short of funds; leaving employee rewards programs in the dust. Yet, ignoring achievements leaves people upset and feeling unappreciated, reducing productivity and employee engagement. Here are seven ways to reward employees for free, plus a bonus for when a little funding trickles through. Enjoy. Surprise them with an early end to the day: Show your appreciation for all their hard work by giving...

10 Ways to Improve Office Morale

Image courtesy of Ambro/FreeDigitalPhotos.net Thank everyone each time they help you out. Gratitude takes only 30 seconds but lasts for days; a worthwhile investment. Share a laugh with a co-worker. There is nothing like a good laugh to reduce stress and improve relationships in the office.   Some easy ways to do this include: creating a humour board at work or including a funny video or cartoon in a meeting...

Taxes & Death-Certain Stress

In the last few weeks many of us have gone through a stressful time of year; tax season. Nothing is quite like the scramble for documents, the dread of mistakes, and the fear of Revenue Canada. It is fitting that the week following the tax deadline is Mental Health Week. According to studies done; over half of Canadians experience stress as a daily occurrence, and struggle with the results...

FISH! Tales

I would recommend FISH! Tales as it’s a fun and interesting book. At first, I thought it was about people going on a fishing trip. To my surprise, it consists of the FISH principle which is about creating a better fun workplace and actually based on Pike Place Fish market in Seattle. The FISH! Principle includes four themes: Play, Make Their Day, Be Present, and Choose Your Attitude. Along...

The Healing Power of Humor

The Healing Power of Humor is a must read for anyone who has ever faced life’s challenges. Allen Klein shows you how to use humor effectively even in somber moments because laughter helps lighten the load. Allen is no stranger to pain; he gained his inspiration from losing his beloved wife in a three year battle with a rare liver disease . He discusses how it is not always...

Power of Humor: Making it work at the office

I have spent a lot of time in hospitals lately as my dad deals with severe radiation burns. Despite the challenges, stress and lack of resources within the healthcare system, I’m amazed at hospital staff who use humour to put patients at ease.  Even a few simple words can get a patient to laugh, smile and momentarily forget their troubles. Here are some of my favorite hospital moments: *...