Article Series on Self-Care for the Immigrant and Refugee Serving Sector by Aina-Nia Ayo'dele (July 2016)
How are you handling stress at work?
If your answer is "o.k." to "not good at all", you may want to cry at yourself or the situation that is causing you stress?
Laughter is one of the oldest healing arts and has been reported to reduce the levels of stress hormones as well as activate the release of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins (the body's natural painkillers). A technique as simple as laughter will:
- Provide mental and emotional release
- Shift negative thoughts to positive thoughts - creating a "feel good vibration"
- Enhance your communication and improve relationships
- Support the strengthening of your abs, diaphragm and upper body
- Improve your overall life experiences
When you are most stressed at work, give yourself a deep strong LAUGH.
Exhale... Long deep inhale... Slow purposeful exhale... Repeat.
Laugh at yourself, your frustration and the situation.
Exhale... long deep inhale... slow purposeful exhale.
Now, think about something that made you laugh really hard,
find a funny photo or a joke.
Start with a fake laugh and watch yourself burst out laughing.
Laugh, laugh, laugh..
Laugh, laugh, laugh..
Laugh, laugh, laugh.
Awesome!
If it is not appropriate to laugh at your desk or office, find a room/space to laugh.
Laugh, laugh, laugh...
Take a deep breath in... now exhale
Laugh at the situation... and exhale
Laugh at your frustration... take a long exhale
Laugh at yourself...exhale
Excellent!
Resume working with released anxiety, clearer thoughts and tighter abs.
Repeat this simple technique at least 3 times twice throughout the day or whenever you are feeling stressed, whichever comes first.
Always keep something in your work space that makes you laugh: A funny joke, cartoon clip, funny photo or toy.
Please note: Remember to use discretion when laughing out loud in the workplace.