For most people, co-workers are their main source of entertainment during the day. And before anyone starts puttering that work is for work and not for joking around, stop. Inside jokes and shared experiences are the main perks of having coworkers. And they provide laughter.

For business owners that work by themselves, there may not be much to laugh out loud about. Laughter is so important that studies have been conducted to prove that it is vital for our brain function.

…research from institutions as serious as Wharton, MIT, and London Business School, every chuckle or guffaw brings with it a host of business benefits. Laughter relieves stress and boredom, boosts engagement and well-being, and spurs not only creativity and collaboration but also analytic precision and productivity.

Leading with Humor

But you’re a Sole Proprietor, your cats are your staff, and laughing at your own jokes is sad. Maybe you work exclusively from home. Or your deliverables don’t require interacting with others. What now?

home-based business owners and solo practitioners, enjoying a bit of hilarity may be one of the best rationales there is for making sure that face-to-face contact with live human beings is a regular part of your workday.

Even alone, laughter gives the workplace a lift

Yes, other people. Probably the main reason most of us decided to work for ourselves in the first place. But they do contribute to you daily dose of fun. Call them, text them, share a meme or listen to a comedian, the choice is yours. Give yourself 20 minutes to completely focus on an enjoyable interaction with another person.

If you’re blocked or can’t work out an issue, take time from what’s in front of you and find your funny. Then come back to your projects in a relaxed state and with a different perspective.

Follow me on Instagram and I’ll share memes.

What Else?

• What makes your heart happy about your industry?
• What’s the most amusing aspect of your daily tasks?
• Do you have regular interactions with industry colleagues?
• Can you laugh at your own mistakes?