Archive for February, 2012

How often do you laugh?

Posted on: February 27th, 2012 by Executive Coaching

 We all know that laughter is a great stress reliever but what are the real benefits?
  • Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
  • Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
  • Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
  • Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
  • Laughter dissolves distressing emotions. You can’t feel anxious, angry, or sad when you’re laughing.
  • Laughter helps you relax and recharge. It reduces stress and increases energy, enabling you to stay focused and accomplish more.
  • Humor shifts perspective, allowing you to see situations in a more realistic, less threatening light. A humorous perspective creates psychological distance, which can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.

International Lifestyle Magazine

Posted on: February 9th, 2012 by Executive Coaching

     When was the last time that you took a risk? Did it mean putting your trust in someone? How did you assess the risk that you were taking : logically, intuitively, rashly, reflectively, secretly or perhaps you shared the decision making process with a trusted friend or colleague?

Usually when you have an article written about you for a magazine you receive a copy for your approval. I am happy to trust journalists to interview and write as it is not one of my favorite past times, especially writing about myself is something I find challenging. Often I have had experience of being interviewed and the article appears to have distorted my words or plays with the truth a little. Once in a while however you feel that you and your words, thoughts and feelings have been captured so that any reader can get a deep sense of the topic and person.

When Lynn from this magazine was preparing the article for the December issue, certain events happened in her life and she was unable to deliver on the promised pdf file. The issue was delayed in being published and even although she had reassured everyone that all was in hand, the magazine went to press and I had not seen the proof file. Wow that is a hell of a risk to take I thought. My process was a moment or two of logical processing then I went with my gut feeling. My intuition told me that if I put my trust in Lynn she would follow through. However one always is left with a tiny bit of apprehension until you have read the whole piece. Have a look and tell me what you think.   page 56-57  Was it worth trusting and taking a risk?