Laughter for Corporate Wellness

It's no joke: From personal health to corporate wealth, the effects of stress are killing us. Stress has been linked to a variety of illnesses including heart disease, weakened immune systems, obesity, depression, anxiety and addiction, to name a few. It's estimated that "stress-related illness" and "burnout" cost companies billions of dollars a year in absenteeism, lower productivity, staff turnover, worker's compensation, medical insurance and expenses. Eight of the top 10 drugs currently prescribed are for stress-related conditions, although it should be abundantly clear by now that they are not curing what ails us.

There's got to be a better way... In fact, if it weren't so sad, it might be funny. But wait..maybe that's it! Perhaps we can simply start laughing our way to improved health and corporate wellness? After all... laughter really is the best medicine while health IS the first wealth! It's true! Laughter makes business sense and here's why:

Alleviates the Negative Effects of Stress
Laughter has been shown to decrease the amount of neuroendocrine and stress-related hormones in our body while increasing the production of a variety of "feel good chemicals" and "happy hormones." It is a natural relaxant that promotes positive emotions while lifting our spirits and overall sense of well-Being.

Reduces Absenteeism and Medical Costs
A three-year study shows that 60 percent of employee absences could be traced to the physical, mental and emotional problems associated with job stress. Laughter is a natural and economical stress buster. Those who laugh more often tend to get sick less, or when they do get sick, heal much faster. This can have a dramatic impact on absenteeism and medical costs with huge savings to those companies that embrace a more joyful corporate culture.

Creates a Positive Work Environment and Boosts Morale
People who laugh together work better together. Laughter is great morale booster. It creates a work environment filled with happy, cheerful people who are energized by a positive mental attitude. Laughter also increases resilience and helps people cope with change. This is no small matter in stressful economic times.

Improves Communication and Promotes Team Building
Laughter is the shortest distance between two people. It's social signal of safety and belonging that tears down hierarchies, diffuses conflict and unites people in joy. Laughter also improves communication and strengthens bonds between co-workers. It connects people on a more authentic level.

Increases Creativity and Innovation
Laughter not only creates an environment conducive to creative expression, but also increases oxygen supply to the brain, enhancing mental clarity, attention and concentration. Optimal brain functioning can lead to novel problem solving when coupled with the realization that people who feel at ease, secure and happy in their work environments achieve more.

Improves Performance and Productivity
A healthier, happier, more energized and engaged workforce that feels good about themselves and their jobs results in all-around better performances and a healthier bottom line.

Achieves Cost-Effectiveness
Laughter and Laughter Yoga is an innovative and economical approach to corporate wellness that is quickly gaining momentum as a viable solution to the health- and wealth-related problems of today's corporate world.

Shows Instant Results
Laughter provides instant results that can be seen on the faces of those whose light it shines upon. People shine physically, mentally and emotionally when they laugh. They become more connected to the people they laugh with and committed to the companies where they work.

So, come on! Let's just do it for the health and wealth of it!

All together now! Can I hear a giggle or two?

Let's start something new, and make our world a better place. Enjoy!