Four Ways Laughter Can Help You on this National Stress Awareness Day
Four Ways Laughter Can Help You on National Stress Awareness Day
Recent data shows that stress levels have increased significantly in the UK.
This year, nearly two thirds (64%) of adults have felt stress at least once a week, with 1 in 5 feeling stressed daily. The economic impact of this is substantial, with work-related stress contributing to
13.7m lost workdays annually in the UK, at a cost of £28.3bn per year.
With National Stress Awareness Day today on 6th of November, here’s four ways
science-backed ways we can make laughter and joy work for us and our colleagues to help reduce stress and improve joy in our daily lives.
1. Boosts Immune Function
Laughter has a significant effect on our immune system, increasing antibodies and activating T-cells, which help protect us from illness. Dr. Lee Berk, a psychoneuroimmunology researcher, explains, “Laughter triggers positive changes in the immune system, enhancing our body’s ability to fight off disease naturally.”
Did you know that Thich Nhat Hanh, the mindfulness pioneer, shared that one minute of laughter can boost our immune system, while one minute of anger can weaken it for 4-5 hours? This is a powerful reminder of laughter’s impact on our health.
Naomi Bagdonas, a Stanford lecturer and co-author of Humour, Seriously, agrees: “Humour is a superpower in business.” She believes humour creates resilient teams and healthier workplace environments
2. Reduces Stress Hormones
Laughing helps lower cortisol and adrenaline, our body’s main stress hormones, giving us an immediate sense of relaxation.
Dr. Berk points out, “Laughter is a natural stress-reliever that lowers stress hormones, leaving us feeling relaxed.” So next time stress hits, remember a good laugh can melt it away. Be intentional about creating joy and fun. Wake up and think ‘How can I create more joy and laughter- for I deserve it!’
Tony Robbins also recognises this power of laughter. He shares, “Laughter breaks the pattern of stress—it’s a reset for our mind and body.” This mindset can help anyone stay balanced and focused, especially in high-stakes environments.
3. Increases Endorphins
Laughter releases endorphins, or happy dolphins as I like to call them- it’s a nice image- our body’s feel-good hormones, which improve mood and reduce pain. Dr. Robin Dunbar, a psychologist at Oxford University, highlights, “Endorphins produced through laughter improve our mood, acting like a mini anti-depressant.” Just a few laughs can give you a natural, immediate mood boost.
Jack Canfield, co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul, reinforces this, saying, “Laughter really is the best medicine; it’s free, fun, and helps us heal.” Leaders who foster laughter in their teams create an uplifting environment that enhances resilience and morale.
4. Strengthens Social Bonds
Sharing a laugh creates stronger social bonds, helping us feel supported and less isolated. Studies show laughter strengthens our “social glue,” helping us feel more connected and resilient when facing challenges.
Ian Davis, former McKinsey managing director, captures this well, saying, “If you want to make people comfortable, laughter is the best icebreaker.” And Joel Goodman, founder of The Humour Project, reminds us, “Laughter is an instant vacation.” Integrating laughter and humour into work settings can foster trust and help build a stronger, more cohesive team.
And if you haven’t laughed today, join in with the incredible peeps after a recent Joyworks event at the epic Seven Steps to Health Rainbow Valley Retreat !
On this National Stress Awareness Day, let laughter be your immune boost, your stress-buster, and your path to connection—your body and mind will thank you oodles and oodles!
Want to get the joyful ball rolling to bring something really different to get your team or group de-stressed and feeling good about themselves and each other?
Here’s Pryianshu from Accenture buzzing after our event!
And pictured below are the incredible staff after a Joyworks event at award winning team Bells with inspirational CEO Craig Bell (who’s named in Fortunes Crown, Iconic CEOs to follow in 2024)
Drop me a message! We are trusted by industry giants, blue chip companies and small grassroot charities to create joy for change.
We expertly weave laughter yoga, creativity, drama games, mindfulness and thought provoking chat and so much more in the Joyworks method! It’s all grounded in solid scientific research on laughter, joy, happiness and wellbeing – and underscored with music to create even more magical and help everyone feel on clo
ud nine -for laughter is the best medicine!
Right?
