Lighten Üp Productions supplies a methodology on learning to laugh more and how to improve your sense of humour to cope with the curve balls of life.
By putting the power of Humour to work in your arena of concern (workplace, association, service group, church, community) you can reduce stress, improve teamwork, productivity, communication, morale, creativity, motivation and customer service.
The basis for this methodology stems from the teachings of Dr. Madan Kataria (Laugh for No Reason) creator of Laughter Yoga and as an extension Dr. Steve Wilson of the World Laughter Tour. Laughing for no reason; in other words fake it til you make it, achieves the vary same results (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual) as real laughter and eventually leads to an increase in real laughter and a sense of humour in your life. One of the most recognized leaders in the Humour for Health and Wellness focus is Dr. Norman Cousins.
Kathleen McAulay
Kathleen McAulay has enjoyed spreading the word about laughter in a professional manner since 1998. Kathleen delights in sharing her natural comedic talent and ability to find humour in even the most mundane aspects of daily routines. She has combined these talents with her stand up comedy experiences, her Second City improvisation training and her studies with internationally renowned Clown teachers Sue Morrison, Francine Cote, Shobi Dobi, the clowns at Sick Kids, the Humber College School of Comedy and her idol Loretta LaRoche. In addition, Kathleen has met the necessary criteria and has been certified as a Laughter Leader by the World Laughter Tour.
She runs a successful business as a Stress Management - Humour Consultant, Motivational Speaker and Certified Laughter Leader.
Kathleen knows of what she speaks. For close to 25 years, she toiled in the Canadian broadcasting industry and has a keen awareness of the stress involved in meeting tight deadlines and working in an office, from the spectrum of the corporate to the small family owned business. Kathleen personally knows the stress and fear arising from downsizing, layoffs, mergers and industry changes.
Sandwiched in between those 25 years, Kathleen also pursued career fulfillment as a Real Estate Sales Agent, an ESL teacher to Worker's Compensation recipients and new immigrants to Canada, and very early on Kathleen sold kites at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto (a very stress filled occupation when you dont know how to fly a kite).
As a Therapeutic Clown, Kathleen traverses the halls and clinics of hospitals and long term care facilities working with both children and seniors.
Kathleen regularly facilitates Humour for Healing workshops at Gilda's Club, a cancer support centre in Toronto.
Benefits of Laughter
- simulates a cardio workout
- attracts socially minded people
- increases longevity
- fights illness
- costs nothing
- reduces pain
- lowers blood pressure and heart rate
- relaxes muscles
- reduces negative amounts of the stress hormone cortisol
- enhances immune system
- oxygenates the system
- exercises the diaphragm
- provides a physical and emotional release
- provides a positive state of mind
- changes perspective
- fosters creativity and open-mindedness
