| Laughter Yoga Reduces Stress and Peaks Performance |
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The world’s first studies on the effects of unconditional laughter confirm that laughter sessions at work can significantly reduce stress and increase work effectiveness. Two studies, one in America and one in India, examine the effects of unconditional laughter using a technique developed by Dr Madan Kataria, an Indian physician known as the founder of Laughter Yoga. This exercise technique started in 1995 in India and has swept the world, with more than 5,000 laughter clubs meeting in more than 60 countries including the USA. “I have always believed that laughter sessions were beneficial” said Dr Kataria, “but I was surprised how conclusive the results of this scientific research are. One study shows improvements in work effectiveness of more than 100 percent, and the other confirms major stress reduction and a remarkable increase in emotional intelligence skills, which are required for career and life success. It is significant that these results were achieved in just three weeks,” says Kataria. All participants improved from being classed as ‘having potential for growth and development’ before the laughter sessions to ‘company assets with enhanced abilities who can perform under stress’. The improvements remained significant in further tests 2-3 months later.
Scientists have long known that laughter causes the body to reduce stress levels and become healthy, but until now there has been no reliable way of prescribing or delivering laughter to give patients these benefits. Dr Kataria’s technique approaches laughter as a form of body exercise and enables extended sessions of hearty laughter on demand without the use of jokes or humour. Because the brain is not involved in deciding to laugh this is known as ‘unconditional laughter’. Participants claim to feel benefits after just one session. “This exercise is fun and easy to do” says Kataria “and it makes you feel joyful as well as provides a great aerobic workout. People enjoy it so much they keep coming back for more.” Doctors can now start to prescribe laughter session to patients who will benefit. US Laughter Study: - The US study shows that short daily laughter sessions significantly improve work performance. A group of thirty-three employees in a behavioural health center laughed together daily for 15 minutes for 15 days. Researchers measured self efficacy, a term used to describe a group of twelve characteristics that reflect overall work effectiveness. Participants’ self-competency scores more than doubled, relational competencies increased by almost 50% and role competency also doubled during the study. INDIA Laughter Study: - The second study focused on measuring changes in stress levels before and after three weeks of unconditional laughter sessions for staff at three separate IT companies. Researchers carefully measured physical, psychological and emotional indicators of stress. The laughter group showed a significant decrease in stress levels reflected in reduced heart rate and blood pressure, reduced cortisol levels and an 11% decrease in perceived stress levels. Other indicators confirmed that all participants showed significantly lower stress levels after three weeks of laughter sessions. Dr. Kataria says "These studies provide solid evidence of the benefits of introducing laughter sessions in a corporate environment. Leading companies around the world are starting to provide laughter sessions as a means to improve sales and productivity and reduce stress. It makes the workplace a happier place, and that translates to better company performance." For further information: please contact Martin Combrinck at Laughter for Africa or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or www.laughter4africa.org.za or call South Africa +27 722297454. Laughter for Africa is a community based project under Sanga Wellness. |
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