In some organizations, leaders often mistakenly believe there is no room for humor at work. That couldn’t be further from the truth.  Humor, laughter, and improv skills help employees:

·       Practice and perfect their listening skills

·       Remove the walls of judgment

·       Learn to accept each other’s differences

·       Create a more understanding and cohesive environment

What a lighthearted and playful atmosphere can do for an organization:

Improve Communication

While technology allows teams to stay connected, it is also often the cause of disconnection. Teams use tools like instant messaging, WebEx meetings, and email to stay in touch others across the office or around the globe.

But, fewer face-to-face interactions can have a significantly negative impact on a team. Improv skills can lead to reconnection. When conducting workshops with teams, improv is an easy way to demonstrate effective communication and the ramifications of miscommunication. Improv is also a fun way to practice the new skills.

Build Up Staff Morale and Increases Confidence

The general rules around improve include agreeing with one another, saying YES AND, and that there are NO mistakes only OPPORTUNITIES. These rules can have a positive impact on morale and employee confidence when used in the workplace. Improvisation teaches participants to be vulnerable, open, and real. Because there is no plan or script in improv, players rely on their own imagination and the trust they have for the other players to create a scene.

Team members can also learn how essential it is to be there—truly be there—for their “other players” or coworkers. By being present, they are building their trustworthiness.  In addition to learning the art of improvisation, employees learn to trust themselves and their creativity, which builds confidence and self-assurance. They also experience the benefits of having strong listening skills, which are vital to effective communication and teamwork.

Diffuse Negative Attitudes

With a dose of healthy humor, team members can “find the funny” in the stressful moments and learn to laugh—with a giggle or a guffaw—at their gaffs. Most importantly, they will learn how to recalibrate their stressed out minds and bodies so that they can continue to move forward in a positive, cohesive, and productive way.

Laughter has been referred to as “the best medicine” and can be the catalyst for creating and maintaining a healthy and positive work environment.

Reduce Turnover and Increases Productivity

The art of play fosters creativity, helps reduce stress, and builds communication.

When there is humor (healthy humor) in the workplace, staff members, employees, and managers build rapport and connection among them.

Here’s the truth…when a work environment is stressful and absent of humor, employees’ morale decreases. How does that affect turnover? When people are miserable, they want to jump ship and find another job. This, in turn, affects a company’s expenses and bottom line. More money spent on turnover. And, before an employee gets to the point of leaving, if they are unhappy, they will do the minimum work required of them. They are no longer invested in that company. They are no longer doing their best work. This attitude can be contagious to the rest of the team or, at a minimum, reduce the team bond and morale of the whole.

As a result, productivity is decreased. Improvisation will not only be a fun experience but participants have the added benefit of gaining new skills and tools that can be applied to making their work environments and relationships more effective.

Positivity leads to productivity.

About the Author: Julie Ostrow

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

The post Humor in the workplace appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

How can I re-train myself to want to be where I am right now?

I learned and absorbed the concept of being in the present moment in improv training at The Second City in Chicago in the 1990s. The object of an improv scene is not to control the scene and direct others to exactly where you want the scene to go. But, rather, you must allow the scene to unfold. One of my favourite improv teachers and a Second City legend, Martin deMaat, would say that improv is “very zen.”

When I find myself wishing and worrying, I can recalibrate and re-centre myself by:

·       Expressing gratitude for this very moment. AND…

·       Accepting and enjoying this very moment

Where in your day do you find yourself worrying and wondering…about what was or what will be? Monitor when you are feeling anxious. Are you worried about a mistake you made in the past or concerned about what will happen tomorrow? Doing this will take away from your joy in this present moment…and the next moment…and the next moment after that.

In the foreward of Jon Kabat-Zinn’s book, “Where You Go, There you Are,” it states: “Mindfulness is considered the heart of Buddhist meditation, but its essence is universal and of deep practical benefit to all. In essence, mindfulness is about wakefulness. Our minds are such that we are often more asleep than awake to the unique beautify and possibilities of each present moment as it unfolds. While it is in the nature of our mind to go on automatic pilot and actually lose touch with the only time we actually have to live, to grow, to feel, to love, to learn, to give shape to things, to heal, our mind also holds the deep innate capacity to help us awaken to our moments and use them to [the] advantage for ourselves, for others, and for the world we inhabit. Just as a garden requires attending to if we hope to cultivate flowers and not have it be overrun with weeds, mindfulness also requires regular cultivating. We call the cultivating of our own mind to bring it to wakefulness meditation. The beauty of it is that we carry this garden with us, wherever we go, wherever we are, whenever we remember. It is outside of time as well as in it.”

May you find peace and joy in this very moment.

About the author: Julie Ostrow

The post Feeling Grateful For This Present Moment appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

I recently heard a speaker ask the question: “Are you taking time for yourself or are you focusing more on committing to others?” This is how I answered in my head: “It is a real shame when others give so much to others and don’t make time for themselves or for what is important to them.”

Saying no

Fast forward this morning when I was faced with a challenge of having to say, “No” to something. I used to think I had to quit something if it was really, really bad, painful, or harmful. Well, I am learning that saying, “No” to something doesn’t mean that it is bad or harmful. All it can mean is that it is not exactly right for me at this very moment. Here is an example: Volunteering for an organisation that is truly in line with your beliefs and it makes you happy to be able to give of yourself and your time to that group. When you look at your calendar, assess where you are putting your time and energy, you find that you haven’t made time for what is truly important to you and your goals.

What I have found is that when I am doing all of these great things, some of these great activities are distracting me from my bigger goal. I have my sights set on some very big goals and I am laying the groundwork for some exciting projects. With that said, I have been faced with the decision to remove a volunteer opportunity from my schedule. Making that decision was difficult. Old patterns reared their ugly heads once again…”You’re a quitter.” “What will the others say was the reason you quit?” “You’re being selfish.”

Be the best you

Saying, “No” to something that may just be a distraction from my higher priorities isn’t selfish. It allows me to be the best me that I can be.
Do you ever feel like you are pulled in multiple directions or that you just can’t seem to keep up with all of the demands that are placed on you? A sign that you are doing too much can be if your mind is never at rest and you are constantly thinking about what needs to be done for others.

Here’s a little test to see if you are doing too much for others: Take a look at your calendar and see if you have any blocks of time set aside just for you.

If you came up with “Na da,” “Zilch,” or a big, “Nope,” as your answer, perhaps it is time to make time for yourself.

To thine own self be true.

Enjoy.

About the author: To find out more about Julie Ostrow, please click here.

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

The Positive Psychology People is co-founded and sponsored
by Lesley Lyle and Dan Collinson,
Directors of Positive Psychology Learning and authors of the
8-week online Happiness Course

The post Do What Matters To You appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

Eyes can make you smile

My husband gave me the idea for this blog post. I love how excited he was when he was suggesting this idea for the post. You should have seen the excitement in his eyes as he was telling me this. He said, “You know how when you make eye contact with someone and it can make you smile?” Well, you should write about how, even when we are wrapped up in warm weather gear and the only thing that can be seen is ours eyes, you can still say, “Hello” to people…through your eyes. (Then he added a side note: I don’t wear my glasses when I’m bundled up like that…because they’ll fog up.) Even when someone you pass on the street is bundled up and all that you can see of them is their eyes, you can still make a connection with them.”

As he was saying this, I started to smile then he smiled and said, “See! This makes you smile! See! And I can tell from your eyes that you’re smiling.”

Chicagoland

As he was telling me this and getting excited about it, his eyes were smiling as they filled up with a few emotional, gratitude tears.
Even if you’re in this tundra we call Chicagoland*, you’re covered from head-to-toe, and you look like a wooly mammoth, you can still make a connection with someone. (*No joke…the suburbs of Chicago are known as “Chicagoland.” And, no it is not an amusement park…definitely not with this weather we have had the past couple of days: -22 degrees F (And, that’s not with the wind chill!)

No matter where you are in the world, no matter what language you speak, or what the weather is, smiling is a universal language…A language of connection, feeling, and humanity.

I am sure that when you smile at someone else, you will feel good. And, when you smile at them, I am quite certain you will be making their day just a little bit brighter.

About the author: To find out more about Julie Ostrow, please click here.

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

The Positive Psychology People is co-founded and sponsored
by Lesley Lyle and Dan Collinson,
Directors of Positive Psychology Learning and authors of the
8-week online Happiness Course

The post The Eyes Have It appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

Because we are led to believe we have to change the core of who we are, I have always felt that making and keeping resolutions is such a daunting and overwhelming task. By definition, a resolution means, “A firm decision to do or not to do something.”

As I am writing this, I realise that the more I talk about and worry about a goal or task, the larger and more arduous it becomes. Simply re-reading the definition of resolution makes it seem quite simple: Just make a decision to make a different choice.

Choose one word

As author Gretchen Rubin suggests in her podcast, “Happier with Gretchen Rubin,” choose one word for the coming year that you would like to have as your overarching theme for that year. Examples that she shared in podcast # 201, “Choose a One-Word Theme for the Year” included upgrade, bigger, lighten up, repurpose and delegate. I really like the idea of choosing one word or term as an overarching theme for the year because, as it becomes planted in my subconscious, it will become what drives my decisions in all aspects of my life.

Good health

For 2019, I choose “Good Health.” I want every choice I make to have a positive impact on my health. And this means good health for my body, my mind, my relationships, my business, and my finances. How do I know if a choice is good for my health? I listen to my body. I listen to my heart. My body tells me if something is right or wrong for me. If an answer is, “Yes,” I have a warm, comforting feeling in my chest. If the answer is “No,” then I get a sick feeling in my stomach. As I am writing this, I am realising that in order for me to live in Good Health, I shall listen more closely to the messages my body gives me. And, most importantly, to act on those messages. Does a choice give me a positive feeling? Then I will proceed. Does that choice or option give me a negative feeling? Then I will say, “No, thank you.”

And, that, my friends is good self-care. Because I have chosen ‘Good Health‘ for 2019, I know that every decision I make in the coming year will be driven by the question I ask myself, “Is this action helpful to my well-being?”

What one word or term captures what you want the year to hold for you?
Whichever word or term you choose, I wish you good health, prosperity, and good fortune.

About the author: To find out more about Julie Ostrow, please click here.

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

The Positive Psychology People is co-founded and sponsored
by Lesley Lyle and Dan Collinson,
Directors of Positive Psychology Learning and authors of the
8-week online Happiness Course

The post New Year. New Start: Does It Mean We have to Change Who We Are? appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

The inner battle

It is an inner battle that I fight quite often. Knowing what is right for me can mean saying, “No” to someone else or to their opinion. Saying that I disagree with them or that I am not ready to talk about that issue at that very moment does not mean that I don’t want to talk about that issue—or them—ever again. Setting boundaries and not being upset if someone else does not like it can be extremely challenging.

What is it about setting a boundary that makes me feel like I have alienated that person or a particular group of people? For me, it comes from my upbringing. I recall so clearly having a differing opinion is “wrong” and it disrupts the “norm.” And, we can’t have that!

Healthy boundaries

Making the move to set healthy boundaries and to take care of myself was neither admired nor respected. But, rather, the result would be alienation and rejection. I was labeled as someone who just wanted to cause problems.

Setting boundaries leads to happiness. (Even if it feels a bit painful or challenging at first).

If someone wants you to volunteer and you can’t or you don’t want to do it, you can say, “Thank you for thinking of me for that. I can’t at this time. Have fun!”

If someone gives you unsolicited advice, imagine that the person is coming from a helpful, caring place and thank them.
You can say, “Thank you for the advice. I appreciate your concern.”

If you are feeling stressed or you are worried about whether everything will work out, let your mind rest.

You can say to yourself, “You have been working very hard. Allow your thoughts to drift and your mind to rest.”

Keys to living a happy, peaceful, healthy life include…
• Setting boundaries
• Asking for you what you want and need
• Self-preservation and self-care

About the author: To find out more about Julie Ostrow, please click here.

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

The Positive Psychology People is co-founded and sponsored
by Lesley Lyle and Dan Collinson,
Directors of Positive Psychology Learning and authors of the
8-week online Happiness Course

The post Setting Emotional Boundaries is Challenging But Necessary appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

I know I am not the only who has the ability to start conversations with strangers. I like to take advantage of an opportunity to strike up a conversation with someone, give them a smile, help them out a bit, or share a laugh with them.
Just yesterday when I was at the grocery store, I found myself automatically lending a hand to two people who seemed to need a little assistance.

As I was walking toward the door, I noticed an elderly gentleman, whose car was parked in the handicap parking spot, struggle with walking. He was using a grocery cart to hold himself up as he walked toward the door. I walked up to him and gently asked, “Shall I walk alongside you?” I wanted to be sure he was safe walking across the cross walk. He gently replied, “That would be nice.” And so, I walked with him to a scooter just inside the door.

Acknowledge other people

I like to think that we could all pause our lives for a brief moment to acknowledge other people. I know…we are all busy and we have extremely important information in the devices we clutch in our hands. But, what if…just what if…we make a point of lifting our heads up so that we can see one another? Look at others and notice how they are feeling. And, offer a “Hello” to someone. Smile at someone as you walk by. Notice the impact you have on that person and how that makes you feel.

Helping others

The other interaction I had was absolutely phenomenal. It may even have been a spiritual experience. As I was approaching the produce section, I happened to notice a woman struggling with opening those darn produce bags that are difficult to open especially when you have your hands full with other items.

As I walked toward her, I simply reached for the bag and helped her open it so she could place her produce in the bag. It was an easy gesture. She smiled and said, “Why did you do that?” I replied, “Because I can.” She continued, “Hey…you know…that’s what I do! I help people I don’t know!” As I walked away, I noticed she had coffee and almond milk in her basket just like I did! I commented on that and she said, “Oh! You look in other people’s baskets, too??”

She and I ended up talking and making each other laugh for the next 30 minutes. I didn’t walk into that grocery store thinking I was going to have a connection with a perfect stranger. It was a moment that unfolded. It was an interaction that was supposed to happen.

As we laughed and shared a few more stories, we had a couple of “Oh. My. Gosh!” discoveries. Toward the end of our conversation, I said my name and asked what her name was. She says, “My name is Diane.” I thought, “Yes. I was supposed to be right here at this moment.” My mom’s name is Diane. She passed away 26 years ago. I felt goosebumps on my arms. (That’s a sign for me of reassurance of a spiritual presence and a positive affirmation.) Diane said, “My daughter’s name is Julie!” As it turns out her daughter and I have the same middle name. She asks what my father’s name was and it’s the same as her husband’s name. And, yes, it gets even better…her mom’s name is the same as my mom’s mom’s name. Are you following all of this? It blew my mind, too!

My eyes filled up with more tears as I said, “This encounter was supposed to happen.” And, my new friend, Diane, hugged me and said, “Yes, it was. What a blessing.” In that moment, I felt the loving presence of my mom who had passed away so many years ago.

Take advantage of the good that you have and share it with a stranger. Who knows…that stranger may become your friend or may be someone who says the words you need to hear at that moment.

About the author: To find out more about Julie Ostrow, please click here.

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

The Positive Psychology People is co-founded and sponsored
by Lesley Lyle and Dan Collinson,
Directors of Positive Psychology Learning and authors of the
8-week online Happiness Course

The post Taking Goodness For Granted appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

“Life is Improv”

I recently release my new book, “Life is Improv…”

In it I talk about how I found improv and how a co-worker of mine from way back in the 1990’s when I was working on Michigan Avenue and she looked me square in the face and said, ‘Julie, you have the perfect wit and sense of humour of improv. You need to take improv classes at The Second City!’

I replied, “Great. Thanks! I appreciate that….what’s improv…and what is The Second City?”

Because it was so long ago and long before cell phones were plopped onto the planet, I called the ticket office at The Second City to find out about these improv classes that my co-worker was talking about. Yikes! $150 was a lot of money for administrative assistant just making $18,000 a year.

My next conversation with Jennifer went like this…

Me: “Thanks for letting me know about the class, Jennifer. But, I can’t afford that. Thanks, anyway.”

Jennifer: “Here’s what we’re going to do: You’re going to sign up for the class and I’m going to put it on my credit card. You pay me back whenever you can.” I began to tear up with gratitude.

Where in your life have you experienced support? It can come from an encouraging word from a friend, an acknowledgement of a job well done at work, or “I love you” from your spouse.

Practice support

You don’t have to take an improv class to practice, show, or experience support.

I have taught swim lessons and coached swim team for quite a while. I got tears in my eyes when I saw the kids walk onto the pool deck with smiles on their faces and flowers and cards in their hands. (I know…you’re probably thinking, “Again with the tears, Julie?” That’s one way I express gratitude.) What’s more is that when the parents saw me get a little choked up, they told me, “Oh, they are going to miss you. Like really like you. You’ve made swim practices fun and they’ve gotten better.”

And, to express my gratitude to my co-worker who instilled that improv bug in my year 20+ years ago, I wrote a little blurb to Jennifer Bullock in the intro of my book and I was sure to mention the story on my latest TV interview on The Morning Blend in Milwaukee. When Jennifer heard that I had mentioned her in my book and on the air, she said, “Thank you, Julie, for reminding me of the positive influences I’ve made along the way…I call you my “Wonderful Life” story when days just don’t seem to go my way!

You don’t have to take an improv class to practice, show, or experience support.

You can be a beacon of joy, light, and kindness to everyone you meet.

You never know who you are encouraging or guiding.

About the author: To find out more about Julie Ostrow, please click here.

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

The Positive Psychology People is co-founded and sponsored
by Lesley Lyle and Dan Collinson,
Directors of Positive Psychology Learning and authors of the
8-week online Happiness Course

The post Be Someone’s “It’s A Wonderful Life” Story appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

What I want to say here is for those people who seem to be happy to make other people miserable: stop doing that. And, instead of judging them or trying to change the unhappy people, I will continue to focus on myself and my methods for being happy and for spreading happiness to others.

Why be kind? For this simple reason: Being kind feels good

Oh, and for another reason: It’s super easy.

I like to think of my experiences when I travel because I see so many people. Traveling to and from all over the world. Either solo or within a group. On a business trip or on a family vacation.

What I’ve observed in my hundreds of trips I’ve taken through the years (domestic and international trips) is that when I approach everyone and every situation with a smile and with excitement, I get positive vibes and treatment in return. I’m not saying that I am kind in order to get something in return The positivity and, many times, extra special treatment comes my way…simply because I was kind. I am never looking for a payback. I automatically get a payback with kindness and a smile. And, when I get a bonus of a special upgrade, an extra ounce of coffee, or someone else offering to put my carry-on in the overhead compartment, that’s just another example of people paying back in kindness.

Another positive thought to ponder

Am I having a positive experience because I exude positivity or am I exuding positivity because I am having a positive experience?

I think the answer is “Yes” to both. You see, happiness begets happiness. A smile begets a smile.

Oh, and it also helps that I love to travel! I love the excitement and newness of going to a new location. And, even if it’s someone I’ve been before, It’s always a new experience for me…New people…new event…And, afterall, no two days are ever exactly the same.

I love to observe people. I love the chance to strike up a conversation with someone I love the chance to help someone else or make someone’s day—whether by giving them a smile or helping them with their carry-on, or playing peek-a-book with their crying baby.

There’s a feeling of excitement an newness I et when I am about to embark on a new experience, challenge, or speaking engagement. I am ex cited about my life and the opportunities for fun, adventure, and meeting new people.

I can’t hide my excitement for life

And, hey…life’s meant to be enjoyed, right?Why suffer?
(And, why make others around you suffer?)

When I focus on positivity and potential, feelings of gratitude, hopefulness, and prosperous potential fill my heart.

I choose kindness, gratitude, and joy.

About the author: To find out more about Julie Ostrow, please click here.

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

The Positive Psychology People is co-founded and sponsored
by Lesley Lyle and Dan Collinson,
Directors of Positive Psychology Learning and authors of the
8-week online Happiness Course

The post Try Kindness, It’s Fun appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.

Some habits can be hard to break

If you’ve thought a certain way all of your life, it can be hard to change that mindset. If, in the past you were reprimanded or criticized for every decision you made, it can be understandable that you’d want to cover all of your bases before you get criticized for any future decision you’d make.

When you set yourself up for disappointment and failure,
…you feel disappointed
…you feel like a failure.
…you feel the feelings of disappointment long before the results are in.

Why do that to yourself?
Yes, this can be a defense mechanism…to protect yourself before you get hurt.

I always feel disappointment. And, sometimes I feel that disappointment twice. Here’s why…because I always feel that agony of rejection and criticism when I am anticipating the disappointment. And, that is not helpful. And, it definitely isn’t true. It is not living in truth. It’s living in the land of make-believe? Think about it…why would anyone want their land of make believe to be a miserable circumstance?

The mind is a powerful tool

The mind will believe what we tell it and if we’re not careful, we will believe everything our mind tells us. Knowing that we have control over our minds can be powerful and, yet, scary. It is and should be satisfying and powerful to know that I can control my thoughts. And, I can choose to feel good and happy about my decisions. Questioning yourself and living in indecision and fear of criticism is so incredibly isolating and extremely debilitating.

In Viktor Frankl’s book, “Man’s Search for Meaning,” he writes,
“We must never forget that we may also find meaning in life even when confronted with a hopeless situation, when facing a fact that cannot be changed. For what then matters is to bear witness to the uniquely human potential at its best, which is to transform a personal tragedy into a triumph, to turn one’s predicament into a human achievement. When we are no longer able to change a situation…we are challenged to change ourselves.”

Freeing your mind from extra clutter allows you to be in the present moment and experience more joy in your life.

Know that you are doing your very best and let go of any outcome.

As Don Miguel Ruiz states in one of the Four Agreements,
“Always Do Your Best. Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self judgment, self-abuse, and regret.”

And that is all you need to ask of yourself.

About the author: To find out more about Julie Ostrow, please click here.

‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’

The Positive Psychology People is co-founded and sponsored
by Lesley Lyle and Dan Collinson,
Directors of Positive Psychology Learning and authors of the
8-week online Happiness Course

The post Give Your Best Then Let It Go appeared first on The Positive Psychology People.