From an article by Penny Stretton in the Daily Express 05/05/2009.Having a laugh at work might be frowned upon by some bosses but research shows it can make employees healthier, happier and more productive. Giggling can boost our immune systems, lower blood pressure and help us cope with stress during the recession.
But despite the benefits, more than 30 per cent of workers admit to not having shared a laugh with their colleagues for more than a week.With million of Britons returning to work after the bank holiday weekend, there may seem little to giggle about. Economic gloom, worries about job security and grey skies are unlikely to lift many people’s spirits.
But a survey by Maltesers found that workers who laugh regularly take fewer days off sick, suffer less stress and are likely to be more creative. The power of a good giggle is so strong that 81 per cent of people say it makes them feel happier and 50 per cent feel stress-free afterwards.
It can even make people more attractive to the opposite sex. Six out of 10 people said prospective lovers who know how to get giggly are much more sexy than those who laugh less. Experts recommend a daily dose of at least 30 giggles a day to promote optimum health, performance at work and successful relationships. However, according to the study, adults often forget how to giggle as they grow older.
A Maltesers spokesman said: “Children laugh on average over 400 times a day. However this declines to an average of just 15 times a day for UK adults. To counteract the nation’s giggle gap, Maltesers has launched a campaign to help UK adults reach the recommended 30 giggles a day.”
Experts say there are some simple tricks to kick-start a giggling fit, such as spending more time around friends and family. Smiling more also helps to boost laughter levels, as does looking for humour in everyday situations. And health psychologist David Moxon said: “Spend time with other gigglers – giggling is very contagious, so stop to enjoy light-hearted moments throughout the day".
Experts say there are some simple tricks to kick-start a giggling fit, such as spending more time around friends and family. Smiling more also helps to boost laughter levels, as does looking for humour in everyday situations. And health psychologist David Moxon said: “Spend time with other gigglers – giggling is very contagious, so stop to enjoy light-hearted moments throughout the day".
Gareth has a very wacky sense of humour and he often makes himself laugh, what about your bosses?
Shelley.
2 comments:
While I take my role at APA very seriously and have loved every job I have ever had, I still say that there are only four reasons to go to work, these are: 1) money, 2)money, 3) fun and 4) money!
Seems I may have been right afterall.
My boss is a real nutter! He has us in stitches but we also know when to play it straight. It's a great working environment
I like your saying Gareth, sadly we don't get paid so well so its fun, fun, fun and money here.
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