Are You Serious?
Quick quiz:
Q. What is one of the leading causes of constant low level stress in many people’s daily lives?
A. Ssensuoires! (No, that’s not French. Since we can’t put the answer upside-down in small print, we thought we’d spell it backwards for you. Looks less serious that way, doesn’t it?)
Cardiologist Michael Miller at the University of Maryland demonstrated that seriousness is a low level form of permanent stress. Albert Nereberg reports on the study’s findings:
“Seriousness itself mimics the stress reaction in the body where blood vessels tighten and the often damaging hormone cortisol seeps into the bloodstream . . . Now, science is saying while stress reactions may be normal, they are not healthy. While seriousness is a natural reaction to an ambitious workaholic planet, science is now saying “lighten up.”
(Montreal Gazette, December 12, 2008)
We believe low level stress has a lot to offer, such as a variety of side effects that negatively impact our health and well-being. Lightening up, however, gives us numerous physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits. Positive living and leadership thrive on creativity, imagination, awareness, connection, and inspired action. Letting go of seriousness – even in the midst of challenges – allows you to tap into the spirit of who you are, to making a difference in the lives of friends, neighbors, partners, families, co-workers, and society.
Optimystic Institute creates a learning environment that gives you the opportunity to reduce stress that you may take for granted. Yes, there is much in life that calls for focus, responsibility, depth, and overcoming obstacles. But “chronic seriousness” is optional.
If you haven’t yet today, we invite you to laugh for no reason – right now! Start with a smile or chuckle. If others are around you, you may want to laugh silently. Or pretend you are on the phone with someone telling you a funny story. You can even occasionally pause through your laughter to say “Are you serious?!” And then burst out again – ha ha ha ha ha!
Yes, we are serious. About taking care of and nurturing your inner optimist. It matters because YOU matter.