Many people take themselves far too seriously. As kids, we laugh a lot, we dream a lot, but then we grow up and become a heart attack waiting to happen! Researchers have investigated why some people can't cope and found three reasons: low self-esteem, living in the past, and can't laugh at themselves. In fact, one study indicates that we need a minimum of twelve laughs a day just to stay healthy. Laugh at yourself! Laugh with your friends, your family, your co-workers. It will keep you going, keep you healthy, and keep you motivated. - Mac Anderson, The Nature of Success
What makes us laugh might not be universal (believe it or not, not everyone likes humorous pet videos), but our need to laugh regularly is. It's so important that you might consider adding a quick "mental health break" to your calendar at strategic points during the day. Watch a funny video clip, read from a humorous book, or ask a coworker to tell you a story that tickled them. Do something, anything, that will make you laugh out loud. And remember: laughter is serious business.