This is the actual title of an article written by LiveScience. Did anyone really need to do an actual study to determine this? Apparently, they did. We all know laughter releases endorphins (or did you?) and that it exercises the muscles in your face making you look younger (I have scientific evidence of this...somewhere) and that it reduces stress (think one sitcom of "The Office") and protects against cardiovascular disease. So what did the study reveal?
In their study, "The Case for Developing New Research on Humor and Culture in Organizations: Toward a Higher Grade of Manure," researchers analyzed theories on humor, emotion and mood from several hundred studies in the fields of psychology, sociology, anthropology, philosophy and communications.
"It's not just clowning around and having fun. It has meaningful impact on cohesiveness in the workplace and communication quality among workers," Robert said. "The ability to appreciate humor, the ability to laugh and make other people laugh actually has physiological effects on the body that cause people to become more bonded."
Researchers identified many studies that support this concept. "Occasional humor among colleagues enhances creativity, department cohesiveness and overall performance", they said.
So get out there - tell a joke, watch a funny movie or comedy skit -and keep laughing! It's good for your health, as well as, your disposition!
Robert and Yan published their findings as a chapter in the 2007 edition of "Research in Personnel and Human Resources Management" (Elsevier).
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