Laughter works because it increases blood circulation, feeds oxygen to brain, pumps out hormones that aid alertness, and releases pain-killing endorphins. These effects can improve mental skills such as decision making, negotiating, data organization, and word association. Tell me how any boss could argue with those benefits.

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Years ago I listened to a speaker, Jim Pelley of Laughter Works, who proposed that companies consider having a CEO of HOHO (Creative Employee Organizer who Helps Others Handle Obstacles). The concept is great. I jotted down these points on how to incorporate more humor into work place. * use props such as humorous posters on employee bulletin board or in your work space * decorate a plant with a red rubber nose, scarf, silly glasses, magic wand, etc. * create a humorous sick leave, bathroom or vacation policy to parody those typical boring office policy manuals * keep a cartoon or joke book near telephone to relax and laugh while you are on hold (not only will you feel better, you'll probably carry over that smile and boost up spirits of whoever answers phone thereby lightening up their day too) * give out monthly awards for most creative use of telephone time, late-to-work excuses, expense account rationalization, etc. * sing out your complaints (use whatever form of music fits you or pick something that isn't you to really make a point) * take a quick laughter break every two hours (you should walk away from anything you're doing periodically anyway so why not make it fun?!) * when you are having a "train-wreck-of-the-mind" or a "mental meltdown" it's even more critical to step away in order to keep things in perspective and restore your positive outlook. * Jim's a fun speaker - check his website at http://www.laughterworks.com

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One of reasons we respond to people with a sense of humor is that humor implies control and command of a situation. If there is a crisis, an emergency, a time of challenge - and a leader can joke in face of it - it implies that a solution has been found, right path to follow has been determined. Humor is ultimate expression of being cool, calm, and collected. A great example is during 1944, German army had 101st Airborne Division surrounded and trapped at Gastogner. When German commander presented an ultimatum to surrender to General McAuliffe, he gave a one word answer: "Nuts!" It brought a smile to Allied faces throughout world and a new resolve to men of 101st to break out of ring and move on to win - and they did.

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As I've stated in other articles, I keep material gathered from all sorts of places. This came from a workbook somewhere. I hope you enjoy it and consider posting it.

Humor is shock absorber that eases bumps in life and laughter is a vaccine for ills of world. Laughter increases your adrenaline which leads to a release of enthusiasm and optimism. Aerobic breathing comes from laughter - your endorphins are super-charged.

Humor is associated with youth, vigor, intelligence and being "with it." The broad smile and light remark are welcome guests at any gathering. It says: I want to be friends. Humor enhances an image, motivates, and helps create a relaxed reality.

Expressing your sense of humor can be as simple as encouraging and responding to merriment of those around you - even with just a smile. You don't have to be a joke teller. Think about words or images that bring a grin to your face. Here's a start: * supercalifragilisticexpealodocious (I think I got it right - help Mary Poppins!) * upsy daisy day (thanks to Stephanie West Allen who publishes an e-zine with this name) * Snoopy (Charlie Brown's dog) dancing for pure joy of it * a child discovering something new (I remember my niece's first fun encounter playing in sand) * antics of Red Skelton, Carol Burnett, Bill Cosby, Lucille Ball, Robin Williams, Jim Carey

Have you given much thought to what makes you smile, giggle or burst out into a loud and refreshing belly laugh? What situations were you in or who are you with when you feel most at ease to let your sense of humor come out and play? What are circumstances when your senses are full of magic of outright pleasure, entertainment and enjoyment?

Here's a real easy idea - share cartoon and funny stories with your friends, co-workers and family. I recently sent a cartoon to a lady whose theme is to live with passion and gratitude - she was delighted that I thought of her and responded directly to her gardening interest. I took pleasure in knowing that I'd made her grin too. Many of you probably receive and forward some delightful tales and absurdities that you find on Internet or in magazines. Last week I *snail mailed* a piece about ludicrous lawsuits and cost of a child to some friends to give them a little lift to their day. Not only did they enjoy silliness but they were also happy to get something other than bills and junk mail to open!

I've read that benefits are gained from smiling at a minimum of five people a day. If you are working alone or really can't find a good reason to smile at your co-workers or family that day - then find another way to make sure you bring a smile to yourself. Read some jokes in a book or on a humor site or e-zine. Watch a favorite TV show or rent a movie that you know will make you feel good. Another method is to look for five funny or absurd things a day - this keeps your mind thinking in direction of being less serious.