Whether we are away for business or pleasure, travel can be stressful! Often we're going to unfamiliar places among unfamiliar faces. Delays and snafus are common. Want to keep the perspective of travel as a fun adventure instead of a nightmare? Laughter can help.
3 simple ways to use the power of laughter while traveling:
- This summer I visited the Boston area--a place notorius for difficult driving. It's super easy to get lost. Many roads are literally based on cow paths from hundreds of years ago! Congested narrow streets are poorly marked and wind about with no logic. Out of frustation, many drivers do dangeous and unexpected maneuvers. It's easy to feel stressed before I've even gotten behing the wheel! So before I set out for a new destination, I say in my best "announcer" voice: ADVENTURES IN DRIVING!" and have a good laugh. It helps me have a sense of fun instead of dread about the trip ahead.
- Airplane travel has so many opportunities for laughter! Whether you're stuck in traffic on the way to the airport, sitting on the runway waiting to take off, of getting a little nervous when the turbulence keeps the plane hopping, laughter is a great way to let off some steam. Tip: If you're worried about seeming strange, try silent laughter, or pretend you're on your cell phone.
- I was recently in the Big Apple and wanted to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. My friend suggested going in the evening when it's usually less crowded. But it turned out to be the last weekend for a popular exhibit. The line was crazy long! We made it half way through when it started to rain--HARD. We almost gave up. But we decided to laugh about it! This was the quintessensial New York City experience--waiting on a long line for a cultural event in the rain! A vendor sold us typical black New York umbrellas for 5 bucks, and we settled in for a fun evening of people watching and art.
If you want more laughter to transform you life of workplace, contact Annie for Laughter Yoga workshops, individual or group sessions at 510-655-1433.
Annie's next blog: What to do when you get sleepy of restless at your desk? Add laughter!
