Laughing Is....

Little children laugh as often as 300 times a day. Adults, on the other hand, laugh on average only about 12 times a day. What happens? Why do we lose so much of our playfulness and joy?

Life happens. We grow up, have responsibilities, go to
work, have children to care for, get sick, etc.

As we go through life, it is important for us to have strategies for coping. A humour attitude is one of our best coping strategies. The ability to laugh is a symptom of physical, emotional and psychological well being. Laughter eases fear, reduces stress, and brings greater self awareness. It brings people together and enriches all aspects of life.

Laughter helps us to gain power in powerless situations and gives us a sense of control when things around us seem out of control. A good laugh can help us to see life from a different perspective and face our problems with renewed concentration and hope.

Using the following outline, I give examples of evidence for these statements and include lots of funny stories and jokes to give the audience a chance to experience the effects of hearty laughter.

Laughing is...............

• Good for you
  
• Culturally universal
  
• Innate
  
• Infectious
  
• Reduces stress, anxiety, and fear
  
• Increases oxygenation of the blood
  
• Is like an internal massage
  
• Releases endorphins in the brain
  
• Enhances immune system response
  
• The more you laugh the better you feel
  

This workshop can be designed for full day, half day, or one hour keynote address.

Presenter: Cathy Fenwick

Cathy has a Masters Degree in Psychology and several years of experience as a counsellor and educator. She develops and delivers workshops related to humour in the workplace, humour in healing, communication skills, and healthy balance.