You'll Never Be Successful Without This!

When I saw this sign advertising a sausage croissant for $150, I laughed and took this picture! I was a gelotologist.

Gelotology is the study of laughter and it offers keen insights into a critical skill successful people and organizations employ every day.

Laughter has helped cure cancer, relieved pain, been the foundation of successful careers, healed relationships, held teams and families together, and is valued and embraced in many great companies and organizations.

“I have not seen anyone dying of laughter, but I know millions who are dying because they are not laughing."

—Dr. Madan Kataria

Laughter is an inexhaustible resource that is an essential ingredient for building a foundation for success. Laughing activates 80 muscles leading to greater health and well being.

“Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand.”

—Mark Twain

 Here are five benefits of laughter.

1. Relaxes, comforts and alleviates fear. A good hearty laugh can leave muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes.
2. Boosts the immune system, protects the heart and combats stress. Laughter decreases stress hormones, increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, and releases NK cells that attack potentially cancerous and infected cells. Laughter improves the function of the blood vessels and increases blood flow which can help prevent heart attacks and cardiovascular problems.
3. Eases pain. Laughter releases endorphins which are our body’s natural pain fighter. Norman Cousins documented his use of laughter in treatment, with medical oversight, in his groundbreaking book “Anatomy of an Illness.”
4. Improves personal effectiveness and leadership. Laughter strengthens relationships, attracts others to us, enhances teamwork, and defuses conflict. Laughter inspires hope and keeps us grounded, focused and alert.
   • Robert Half International Survey found 91% of executives believe a sense of humor is important for career advancement and 84% feel people with a sense of humor do a better job.
   • Bell Leadership Institute found the two most desirable traits in leaders were a strong work ethic and a good sense of humor.
5. Improves learning and retention. Laughter stimulates booth sides of the brain. We are better learners when we are laughing and having fun.

“You can’t help getting older, but you can help getting old. Chronologically the clock is going to keep on ticking for all of us, but if we take a lick of humor, we can prevent a hardening of the attitudes. If we save humor, humor can be a lifesaver.” 

— George Burns

 Three ways to put the power of laughter to work.

1. Smile! Take time to smile. Even if you are by yourself, hold a smile for a minute and you will be surprised by what happens.
2. Clip and save funny things. It is like medicine you can take when you need a good laugh.
3. Practice laughing just for fun! Here are three short YouTube clips from Michael Jr. to help you get started.
   • “Brother Jogging”
   • “Pray With Your Neighbor”
   • “The Lizzard Look”

“There is little success where there is little laughter.”

—Andrew Carnegie

Were you familiar with gelotology? How important do you think laughter is to being successful?