I just returned from Orlando, where I attended the International Coach Federation conference. The program was filled with many serious talks such as Evoking Resilience in Leaders, The Science Behind Coaching with Positivity, Transformation through Accountability- all which will, no doubt, help me be a better coach. But the highlight of the conference was a session I attended called Laugh all the Way to Wellness and Success - Celebrate Life through Laughter Yoga.
About 150 of us entered the room where the talk was to be held. It was a pretty serious group. We all had our notebooks and were ready to listen and take notes on the benefits of helping our clients have a more playful attitude. However the instructor had a different idea and we were told to push the chairs out of the way and get ready to laugh, dance, sing and play. The session was truly transformational - the group leaving the room after ninety minutes was a different group than walked in. We had more energy, less stress, developed friendships, and even gained an ability to laugh for no reason.
And not only was the session a great way to relax and have fun. Research shows that laughing and playing with others provides physical health benefits, emotional health benefits, social benefits and stimulates the right brain (the seat of creativity) which is essential for professional success and personal fulfillment.

Physical Health Benefits of Laughter:
     -Boosts immunity
     -Lowers stress hormones
     -Decreases pain
     -Relaxes your muscles
     -Prevents heart disease

Mental Health Benefits of Laughter:
     -Adds joy and zest to life
     -Eases anxiety and fear
     -Relieves stress
     -Improves mood
     -Enhances resilience

Social Benefits of Laughter:
     -Strengthens relationships
     -Attracts others to us
     -Enhances teamwork
     -Helps defuse conflict
     -Promotes group bonding

Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. Humor takes you to a higher place where you can view the world from a more relaxed, positive, creative, joyful, and balanced perspective.