|  Laughter
is a natural moment of escape that feels good. The more we laugh
the more we escape. The more we escape from the daily hassles and
routines, the more we can free our minds from the stressful thoughts
that studies have shown create blockage and disease.
Many years ago I worked for Sears as a credit authorizer.
The job was tedious and sometimes boring. There were times when
we were too busy to think and other times when we didn’t know
whether our jobs were secure. Most of my fellow employees were worried
and fearful and to tell you the truth I was heading down the same
path.
One day I decided it wasn’t worth it to
worry and be stress all the time over something I couldn’t
control. I made choice to work to change my outlook on life. Instead
of getting caught up in all the negative, I decided to look beyond
problems to find the funny. Soon my co-workers joined in on the
fun by sharing silly jokes and looking for humorous anecdotes to
help lighten the darkness of what could have felt like a dead end
situation.
Research has proven that laughter lowers blood
pressure and reduces fear in uncertain situations. It is good medicine
for everyone who is willing to let go and let out a good laugh.
My first boss was some what of straight lace kind of guy, very tight
looking, everything was business to him. One evening during the
night shift I was determined to get a smile on his face. While he
was looking over some my paperwork I pretended to faint, making
a silly sound as I hit the floor. It was obvious that I was faking
and he looked down at me and said in his business tone of voice.
“Get-Up!” Then he laughed out loud, vibrating the glass
that surrounded his office. From that night on he was a little more
playful and a lot less stressful.
 It
doesn’t take much to bring some fun into the workplace. Good
clean fun that doesn’t offend or make anyone feel uncomfortable.
It can be anything from sharing a funny personal story about your
children to holding up a toy stuffed cow during a meeting on beefing
up sales.
Any comedian
will tell you that there is funny in every situation. When my sister
died it was tragic for my family. When we were looking at caskets
and pick out the vault, I was walking behind the undertaker who’s
toupee was on crooked and his shoe made a squeak when he walked.
I silently pointed it out to the rest of my family causing my mom
and dad and brothers, sister and I to excuse ourselves to go outside
to laugh. Those few minutes of guffaw gave us the comic relief needed
to get through that day.
Everyday look for the funny in your life. There
are comical moments that can allow you to giggle, snort or roar
with laughter in your workplace. Not only will you feel good inside
but you will also demonstrate a healthier, happier frame of mind
that you can share with your customers and colleges.
Copyright
Richard Paul 2004
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