Choose Laughter!
Hi There,
When checking in with my Texas colleagues during their surreal weather predicament, the consensus was an intensified sense of stress and trauma. Thankfully, they are all physically safe. But let’s not minimize the toll that the past 12 months have taken on our emotional and physical states.
One colleague summed it up eloquently with, “It's hard to stay positive for the team and keep employees happy when there really are blurred lines between home and life (I won't call it balance). I have to work even harder to keep everyone from spiraling into the vortex of negative thoughts; each has their own.”
This sense resonates deeply with me, as I prepare to deliver a workshop about stress this week. But allow me to share some good news: One of the greatest mitigators of stress is Laughter.
During this pandemic, I ask you to consider what you have to laugh about. Think of a past instance that you can find humor in today. Come on, give us a chuckle! Then, share the humor with your friends, family and social media followers.
Take it one step farther for your mental health: When something ridiculous happens, acknowledge that it’s going to be a funny memory one day. For me, it was being trapped on a 12th floor balcony of the Hilton, locked out in damp gym clothes and with no smartphone on a cold, windy day. Instead of screaming, crying and panicking, I decided to take a novel approach: I convinced myself it was going to make a humorous story to share for years to come!
So, treat yourself to more laughter each day. Find the humor, grace and gratitude in moments during this rough patch. You can’t change your situation, but you can change your response to it.
Choose Laughter! It’s free, and it’s effortless. Here is a link to a few of my favorite things to laugh about.
While on the subject of Deeper Insights, link to our Black History Month Resources Page, which is now chock-full of new additions including podcasts, interviews, TED Talks and more!
Cheers!
-Deborah
Deborah Goldstein
DRIVEN Professionals / Forbes / Linkedin
info@drivenpros.com | LinkedIn
DRIVEN Professionals, 35 Adrienne Lane, Garrison, NY 10524