Karen Susman Article - How to Build Your Self-Mirth

How to Build Your Self-Mirth: HELP Is On The Way

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Four year olds laugh hundreds of times a day. How often do you laugh? Humor, Enjoyment, Laughter and Play boost creativity, smooth conflict, build relationships and allow you to step back and get a grin. HELP builds self-esteem, energizes, boosts immune systems, oxygenates brains, reduces sick days, bolsters marriage and family relationships, eases tough times, and enhances job and life satisfaction. If humor, enjoyment, laughter and play are proven positive additions to your life, why isn't your life rocking with jocularity?

Smile challenged people tell me,

"This is serious work."
"My boss and co-workers won't respect me.
"Nothing is funny."
"We don't have time.
"Humor can offend."

Assure humor isn't used negatively or inappropriately:

Don't tell jokes. They often fall flat or offend.
Don't be mean, racist, sexist, age-ist or constituent-ist. If you hear yourself saying, "I was just kidding," or, "Can't you take a joke?" you've crossed the line.
Poke fun at yourself.
Look at the world from a humorous perspective. Humor is everywhere. Just look for it.
Lead by example. If you question your humorous attempts, get feedback from honest staff, family and friends.

Here are five ways to maximize merriment:

Appoint a Director of Fun. This czar of zaniness plans events such as go fly a kite day, bubble blowing competitions, and Secret Santas in July. A cross-departmental frolic force supports the DOF.
Clown noses. Purchase in bulk. www.karensusman.com/products.htm Wear a bright red nose to a meeting. Offer noses to guests. Take pictures. Outfit staff with foam noses. Display your clown nose prominently to remind you to keep your chin and attitude up.
Fun Food. Candy sweetens bitter battles. In the middle of a tense meeting, distribute Tootsie Pops. Watch the mood change.
Complaints. Ban complaints for a week. You'll be frustrated and amazed at how often the urge to complain strikes.
Pet Photos. Display pet photos and owner photos. Have a contest to see who can match the pets with their owners.

Get HELP. Influence the health, productivity and quality of life in your company, organization, family and community. As Albert Schweitzer said, "I know of no other manner of dealing with great tasks except as play."

Karen Susman, Speaker/Author/Coach, works with organizations and individuals that want to maximize their performance and quality of life. Check out her free tips and articles at www.karensusman.com. Karen can be reached at 1-888-678-8818 or karen@karensusman.com.