Go Ahead, Laugh

“Burnout is nature’s way of telling you, you’ve been going through the motions, your soul has departed; you’re a zombie, a member of the walking dead, a sleepwalker. False optimism is like administrating stimulants to an exhausted nervous system.”

Sam Keen, American Philosopher & Former Consulting Editor at Psychology Today

We have passed the midway mark of another year and the roller coaster that will take us into 2007 has peaked and will begin barreling downward with great velocity. At this point in the game, burnout is a reality for many. So, how can we kickstart ourselves and our team members back into the game for the busy third and fourth quarters? The answer is simple: fun and laughter.

Scientists know laughter has therapeutic merit, creating a positive emotional state and enhancing healing in the body. In the workplace, we should create a professional environment that allows time for simple fun and pleasure.

And let’s not forget that laughter is contagious. Not only will your positive energy trickle down to your team, but it will also act like a domino effect in their relationships with clients and prospects.

So stop by your local book store and buy a book of jokes, give employees a sweet treat with their paychecks, or just take a few moments out in the day to chat. You may not recognize any tangible results, but at the end of the day you and your superstars will leave looking forward to coming back tomorrow.

Nichole Stella
Editorial Director
nstella@napco.com