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We have launched a new Laughter Yoga Business site with complete information, photos, videos and research data about the benefits of Laughter Yoga in the Companies and Corporations. Please click here to visit the New Site - http://www.laughteryoga.org/corporate/
Why Laughter Yoga in Business
Scientific research shows us that laughter can help to resolve workplace stress and many related issues, but until now there has been no reliable and effective system to deliver laughter. Humor was the only tool available, but it is not reliable and seldom leads to continuous hearty laughter. Laughter Yoga is a breakthrough laughter delivery system that enables a person to laugh continuously for 15 to 20 minutes with short breaks of yogic breathing. To get the scientifically proven benefits, laughter has to be:
Natural laughter in daily life comes for barely a few seconds here and there which is not enough to bring about powerful physiological changes. But, Laughter Yoga is the ideal system in which laughter can be extended at will. What is Laughter Yoga Laughter Yoga is a unique exercise routine developed by Indian physician Dr. Madan Kataria. According to this concept anyone can laugh for no reason, without relying on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter is simulated as an exercise in a group but with eye contact and childlike playfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter. The reason we call it Laughter Yoga is because it combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing. This brings more oxygen to the body and the brain which makes one feel more energetic and healthy. The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. One gets the same physiological and psychological benefits. This innovative concept has been widely accepted all over the world and has been written about in prestigious publications like TIME Magazine, National Geographic, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Daily Telegraph (UK) and many others. Laughter clubs were also featured on Oprah Winfrey Show, BBC, CNN, ZDF (Germany), NHK (Japan ), ABC news ( USA ) and other TV networks. Corporate Benefits of Laughter Laughter Yoga which initially started as a social club movement has now entered the business world, where it provides companies and organizations powerful operational benefits. Companies around the world are starting to introduce Laughter Yoga which includes a strong team building element. Results indicate that employees in Laughter Yoga programs become more committed, learn more easily, improve their interpersonal skills, and that the workplace becomes a happier place. It is often reflected in increased sales, efficiency and productivity and an improved bottom line. A one-year Laughter Yoga trial in a Danish IT company yielded the following results: The company’s sales increased more than 25% in a highly competitive market while stress levels decreased by 75%. The program consisted of Laughter Yoga sessions daily for a week followed by weekly sessions for one year. All management and employees participated and stress levels were scientifically monitored. The Unique features of Laughter Yoga are:
Workplace Stress It is scientifically proven, cost effective and less time-consuming. A research conducted in December 2006, on 50 IT professionals in Bangalore, India found a significant reduction in stress levels as shown by reduction in cortisol levels in saliva. Improved Efficiency Science tells us that the brain needs 25% more oxygen than other body organs. Laughter Yoga increases the net supply of oxygen which helps in optimal performance and boosts energy levels. Team Building John Cleese, a renowned British comedian, once said during his visit to Mumbai that Laughter is a great connector of people. It breaks all hierarchies and is a force for democracy. Laughter Yoga has the ability to change the work environment drastically by making people happy and cheerful, bringing positive mental attitude, hope and optimism in the workforce. It also increases communication skills to help in teambuilding. Leadership skills Laughter Yoga helps to connect with people in the workplace and bring an emotional balance. This is greatly helpful in achieving targets and accomplishing goals. Innovation and Creativity The most creative people in the world are children. The essence of Laughter Yoga system is to cultivate childlike playfulness. This playfulness stimulates the right brain activity which is the seat of creativity. This helps to generate new ideas and new insights about workplace issues and problems. Increasing Attention Span in HR Trainings Positive Work Environment The Bangalore study also confirmed the increase in positive emotions and decrease in negative emotions, thereby developing an emotional intelligence. This helps to create a more constructive work environment and ensures loyalty and commitment. Motivation and communication Personal benefits for Employees If we talk about the work life balance of the employees, Laughter Yoga not only improves the quality and efficiency of their work, it also improves their quality of life. If people are happy in the company, they can make their customers happy. Health benefits of Laughter Yoga Dr. Kataria says that in his 30 years of experience in medicine, the two most common causes of ill health are wrong food habits and lack of exercise which leads to heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and many stress related illnesses. Business people are very busy and have no time to exercise. Dr. Williams Fry of Stanford University proved that 10 minutes of hearty laughter is equal to 30 minutes on the rowing machine. This is not in term of muscular movements but a cardio pulmonary endurance. The purpose of all aerobic exercises is to stimulate heart rate, increase blood circulation, supply oxygen and remove waste products. Laughter Yoga is different from other forms of exercise
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