After quite a lengthy vacation comes the series of stressful activities at work. Merely thinking about it puts stress to individuals. However, based on a two-year long survey, humor lessens the probability of stress.
The results of the new study, which was conducted by the University of Sydney Business School and London's Cass Business School, proved that laughter is an effective remedy for stress.
The subjects of the study are employees of telecommunication companies. These employees normally joke about things as competition at work, salaries, insufficient resources, opinions and decisions, among others. Humorous things are seen to be a way for these people to have deep or analytical discussions about important issues.
However, not only does joking around relieve tension among employees; they also feel more comfortable and their functionality increases more. This way of de-stressing seems to have become employees' typical way of actively interacting with each other. It serves as their remedy for stress, enabling them to face complexities in a much more constructive way.
Some of the positive effects that laughter can bring to people include the reduction of stress hormones, such as cortisol, epinephrine, dopamine, and growth hormone. This also helps strengthen the immune system of the body, as it increases the number of antibody cells.
Laughing also gives people the physical relief they need. A good laugh can be compared to cleansing of one's own body and soul. It can also be considered as an exercise for the body and the heart, allowing the contraction of the abs and the movement of shoulders.
Although it has been found that laughter actually helps relieve stress, adults are still seen to laugh less compared to young children, inhibiting the betterment of their stress levels and their overall wellness.
Laughter and humor are useful tools, according to the recently done survey, for the working people, particularly the stressed executives, to connect to others. Not only does it help them to socialize with others, it is also a perfect way for their body to release its stress.
