Back in my college newspaper days, one of the big editors sat me down for a talking to because as a junior editor, I was laughing on the job.
Being a cocky 19 year old, I responded that I was sorry she didn’t like her job but I liked mine and as long as I was getting the work done, I didn’t see what the problem was.
Probably not superb managing up skills? But kinda true?
It’s not just that laughing a little makes the day more pleasant. It seems to me that if you have a relationship with coworkers where you can make a joke in a meeting, you’re probably all a little more engaged in the conversation, probably going to like each other a little more and take a little more interest in helping each other solve a shared problem.
In the Relationship Masters Academy I recently completed, we spent a lot of time talking about how fostering real connections with people is a key to personal and professional success. For me, laughing together is bonding, so I’m becoming more successful, right?
I found a link called LaughterAtWork.com that encourages employees to laugh together 15-20 minutes every day:

Laughter yoga provides a “vigorous cardiovascular workout”. US research shows that it takes 10 minutes on an exercise bike to achieve the cardio workout level that hearty laughter provides in just 1 minute. It protects you from heart disease, reduces stress levels, boosts your immune system and makes you feel good.

Obviously, I don’t just laugh at work.
An intern at my husband’s old office once asked me what it was like to be married to John. I told this infatuated girl that he can make me laugh so hard when we’re grocery shopping that I think I’m going to wet my pants.
John’s ability to make me laugh deeply and often is a foundation of our marriage. How can you stay mad at a guy who makes you laugh until you snort?
Besides John, some guaranteed laughs for me are David Sedaris, Old School, Office Space and Chris Farley auditioning for Chippendales.
These are probably best watched at home as they’re not office appropriate.
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