The Hump Day Humor-Gram, January 31, 2007     Issue Number 203

1. The Biology of Hope and Humor 
2. Mike’s Fun at Work Tip 
3. Deep Thought of the Week 
4. It’s a Wacky, Wacky World 
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1. The Biology of Hope and Humor 

Dr. Lee Berk of Loma Linda University found that even just the 
anticipation of “mirthful laughter” resulted in changes in the
physiology of people. Blood drawn from volunteers that were
anticipating watching funny movies had 27% more beta-endorphins 
and 87% more human growth hormone compared to folks who weren’t 
anticipating watching a funny video! Berk suggests that watching 
a humorous video can offset some of the symptoms of stress, but
even more astonishing, just anticipating a future fun/humorous
event may change our body chemistry, suggesting there may be 
an actual “biology of hope” that triggers physical changes in 
our bodies. Sounds like yet another reason to up the fun factor 
at your workplace and give folks fun events to look forward to 
on a regular basis. 
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2. Mike's Fun at Work Tip 

Come up with a theme song that suits your workplace. You can
hold a contest to come up with suggestions, or if you’re really 
keen, create a prize for whoever writes the best theme song. The 
song should capture the essence of your workplace’s personality 
and spirit. You can use the song as your very own “national
anthem” – playing it at staff meetings, conferences or luncheons.
Or come up with your own personal theme song to recall as a way 
to motivate yourself and tap into your sense of ha ha. Think
of it as a musical mantra. (For example, next time you’re stuck
in an endless meeting, you might try singing Gloria Gaynor’s
I Will Survive. Just make sure you use your inside voice.)
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3. Deep Thought of the Week

“Teamwork means not having to take all the blame yourself.” 

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4. It's a Wacky, Wacky World 

Here’s some wacky advice from the 2007 Canadian Farmers’ Almanac:  
If your feet are stinky after a long day at the office, just soak
your feet in Jell-O for 20 minutes. And since Jell-O comes in 25 
flavors, you have lots of choices for fruity smelling feet. 

Happy Hump Day! Keep making the person in the mirror laugh! 
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Copyright Michael Kerr, 2006  mailto:mike@mikekerr.com     
Reach Michael at 1-866-609-2640, http://www.MikeKerr.com.