Schools
Jake Tussin: Beat the Blues with Laughter
Spotlighting Avon High School senior mastery projects.
Name: Jake Tussin, Class of 2011 graduate
Senior Mastery Project: Americans spend millions of dollars on yoga classes, massages, aromatherapy, etc. in attempts to relieve stress. But there's actually a much simpler and inexpensive way to relax: laughter. Through his research, Tussin learned laughter is a highly effective way to improve mental and physical health and strengthen relationships.
"You can use those soothing...ocean noises or those stress relief candles, but after awhile the smoke gets to you and the noises make you want to break [your] desk," Tussin said.
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Cleaning House: Laughter helps get rid of all the carbon dioxide in your body, forcing you to take more oxygen in. This process cleanses the body, resulting in a multitude of health benefits, including stress reduction, a stronger immune system and improved blood flow.
Pay it Forward with a Smile: "Laughter...offers a helping hand to those in need. Making [someone who is bullied] laugh...gives those people a sign that there's someone out there that does care," Tussin told Patch.
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Repairing Relationships with Laughter: As Jay Leno once said, "You can't stay mad at somebody who makes you laugh."
"It actually does help... Who have you ever been mad at that makes you laugh?" Tussin said.
Laughter Facts: Everyone laughs about an average of 17 times per day, whether we know it or not. Laughter in the workplace helps diffuse conflicts, promotes group bonding and enhances teamwork.
About Jake: While attending Avon High School, he played on the soccer and lacrosse teams. This fall, he's heading to the University of Hartford where he plans to study either criminal justice or sports management.
Editor's Note: Hey, Avon Class of 2011 graduating seniors! Do you want your senior master project featured on Avon Patch? E-mail the information to Jessie.Sawyer@patch.com, along with a photo of you and your project. Parents, you can submit on behalf of your children as well. We will be spotlighting one senior mastery project a day, Mondays through Fridays, throughout the entire summer.
