The clock says 2PM but their bodies say nap time!

We've all been there. We're traveling and forget to bring the phone charger or we're out and about all day and we see that red indicator in the battery icon and panic. "Oh no, what if I can't send or receive texts to my spouse or kids, or I miss an important phone call, or I can't get my daily fix of cat/dog videos on social media?" It's understandable to be concerned, given how important cell phones have become in our lives. But do we tend to our own physical energy supply with as much care? And what can you employers and conference organizers do to remedy this?

It's a known fact that our alertness decreases and we tend to feel a bit sleepier in the afternoon, in part because of our normal circadian cycle. But what are we individually doing about this? And what are employers and conference organizers doing to address this issue with employees and conference attendees? There are outlets and phone charging stations for devices but what's being offered to recharge a person's mind and body?

Many articles will advise on the importance of proper sleep hygiene and nutrition, which are both important. Other articles might suggest going outside for fresh air and a short walk to get a boost of Vitamin D. While others will suggest drinking plenty of water and a snack that's high in protein. That's all great advice. Let me offer another option...laughter!

Plug in to Laughter to Recharge!

Picture it.

It’s 1:45PM. Employees at the workplace and conference attendees in a break-out session are busy digesting lunch and their minds are attempting to digest valuable information in a meeting or from one of many dynamic speakers presenting. It’s a lot!

Everyone is feeling a bit sluggish and overwhelmed but the business is far from over. Bottom line, their body and mind battery need to be recharged.

Forget the coffee, let's provide a serving of restorative laughter!

Seriously. Laughter is no joke. And there's research to back that up.

According to a 2020 article in the Harvard Business Review, “when we laugh, our brain releases dopamine — a neurotransmitter that creates a sense of euphoria."

Dopamine can enhance learning, motivation, and attention. In fact, the overall health benefits of laughter and the neurochemicals involved include?improved immune functioning, stress relief, increased tolerance for pain, improved cardiovascular health, reduced anxiety, sense of safety, and improved mood. ?Laughter is also associated with higher motivation and productivity.”

And a Forbes article states that when we laugh, oxytocin, known as the “love hormone” or “bonding molecule” is released during laughter. It was also named the “trust molecule” by Paul Zak for the?Wall Street Journal. He has conducted extensive research into oxytocin as a social behavior moderator because of its significant implications in business and global commerce.

Laughter Will Increase Employee Wellness and Enhance the Experience for Conference-goers’

A laughter break will provide employees with numerous wellness benefits and an overall happy feeling shared with co-workers, and conference participants will feel more comfortable connecting with other attendees and gain energy to pay better attention to and learn from presenters. And…they will gain all of the researched benefits of laughter that range from improved circulation to boosted immune health and more.

How Do Participants Plug in to Laughter?

Laugh to Live founder, certified laughter yoga leader and comedian Jeannine Luby leads laughter yoga* activities that energize and rejuvenate audiences.

These interactive laughter exercises are perfect for a break because they only involve breathing, clapping and laughing. *No yoga mat is used. Participants do not need to wear fitness clothes or even touch their toes. ?This is about breathing in and out and laughing.

Connect with Jeannine to learn how she can bring her Laugh to Live! Laughter Lounge to your worksite or next conference.