Originally published August 19 2005
Researchers recommend laughter to ease stress
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Research has shown that the best way to ease job-related stress is to laugh and joke.
Sometimes, life can be about as fun as accidentally sitting on a big wad of bubble gum.
How we respond to these "sticky" events in our lives -- many of which gum up the works at our places of employment -- ultimately affects our stress level and overall health.
This is just one metaphor that author Nan Crockett Rutter uses to show that the answer to your misery might just be a giggle, guffaw, chortle, chuckle or snicker away.
Laughter and humor have, in the past, been overlooked as tools to alleviate the extraordinary amount of stress that workers are experiencing today, Rutter said.
In her new book, "Breakaway Laughter: How to Lighten Up Despite it All" (VanderWyk & Burnham, $12.95), she bravely bares her own foibles, as well as those of her family, as a humorous springboard for teaching others how to lighten up about life.
"I've found in the stress management work I've done that people relate to me so much better when they understand that I've gone through some of the same kinds of things that they have," said Rutter, president of Rutter Communications.
It can greatly reduce the amount of job stress, which costs U.S. companies about $300 billion annually as a result of things such as accidents, absenteeism, employee turnover and diminished productivity, according to the American Institute of Stress.
Question: What's the connection between laughter and work?
Answer: Traditionally, we have absolutely not valued laughter in the workplace.
Laughter not only has health benefits -- it increases blood flow, which can directly counter potential heart problems -- it also counters the impact of stress.
So if people are laughing, their bodies are releasing endorphins, which will help them function more effectively.
Q: What are the most common stressors for workers?
Middle management layers have decreased in number; people are doing more with less in companies to remain competitive.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml