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Relax - You May Only Have a Few Minutes Left: Using the power of humor to overcome stress in your life and work
"I'm always reminding people that the one constant you can count on is that things happen--and usually when you're not in the mood for them."
It's now a proven medical fact that good humor reduces the negative effects of stress. Over the course of twenty years, millions of people have learned this lesson while being entertained and enlightened by Loretta LaRoche in one of her enormously popular series of lectures given in public seminars; in corporate environments for clients like IBM, Reebok, Fidel-ity Investments, and Blue Cross, Blue Shield; and most recently in nationwide broadcasts on public television. Now she puts her sensible, sensational philosophy on paper--and gives readers the tools they need to laugh themselves to less stress and better health.
"One night I greeted Bob at the door wearing nothing but his wing-tipped shoes. I was laughing hysterically about how I looked. Bob didn't crack a smile. Instead, he bellowed, 'What are the neighbors going to think?'
" 'I don't know,' I replied, 'I haven't shown them yet.' "
Loretta LaRoche has been called "the Erma Bombeck of stress reduction"--and in the helpful and hilarious pages of this book, her enormous talent for finding the funny detail to defuse even the most difficult situation has never been sharper.
"Buy something silly and wear it. A Groucho Marx nose, mustache, and glasses are my favorite. When the stress seems unbearable, when you've really reached the limits of your endurance, go into a bathroom, look into the mirror, put on your glasses, and ask yourself, 'How serious is this?' "
Relax--You May Only Have a Few Minutes Left is filled with practical exercises, hilarious anecdotes, and specific advice for coming to terms with today's ever-increasing stress levels--it is a remedy for anxiety and a prescription for laughter.
"Most of us don't realize what an impact we have on the world around us. A positive energy field is going to affect others in a beneficial way, even if you don't notice it at first. Why not ask for a standing ovation once in a while? When you go in to work, say, 'I came in--it wasn't easy. I could have gone somewhere else. I'd like a standing ovation.' "
In sections like "If You Don't Have to Suffer--Don't Practice," "My Mother the CEO," and "I'm Not Afraid of Heights, Just Widths," LaRoche dismantles our American predilection for taking ourselves too seriously and shows us how to live longer, happier lives using the healing power of the absurd.
It's now a proven medical fact that good humor reduces the negative effects of stress. Over the course of twenty years, millions of people have learned this lesson while being entertained and enlightened by Loretta LaRoche in one of her enormously popular series of lectures given in public seminars; in corporate environments for clients like IBM, Reebok, Fidel-ity Investments, and Blue Cross, Blue Shield; and most recently in nationwide broadcasts on public television. Now she puts her sensible, sensational philosophy on paper--and gives readers the tools they need to laugh themselves to less stress and better health.
"One night I greeted Bob at the door wearing nothing but his wing-tipped shoes. I was laughing hysterically about how I looked. Bob didn't crack a smile. Instead, he bellowed, 'What are the neighbors going to think?'
" 'I don't know,' I replied, 'I haven't shown them yet.' "
Loretta LaRoche has been called "the Erma Bombeck of stress reduction"--and in the helpful and hilarious pages of this book, her enormous talent for finding the funny detail to defuse even the most difficult situation has never been sharper.
"Buy something silly and wear it. A Groucho Marx nose, mustache, and glasses are my favorite. When the stress seems unbearable, when you've really reached the limits of your endurance, go into a bathroom, look into the mirror, put on your glasses, and ask yourself, 'How serious is this?' "
Relax--You May Only Have a Few Minutes Left is filled with practical exercises, hilarious anecdotes, and specific advice for coming to terms with today's ever-increasing stress levels--it is a remedy for anxiety and a prescription for laughter.
"Most of us don't realize what an impact we have on the world around us. A positive energy field is going to affect others in a beneficial way, even if you don't notice it at first. Why not ask for a standing ovation once in a while? When you go in to work, say, 'I came in--it wasn't easy. I could have gone somewhere else. I'd like a standing ovation.' "
In sections like "If You Don't Have to Suffer--Don't Practice," "My Mother the CEO," and "I'm Not Afraid of Heights, Just Widths," LaRoche dismantles our American predilection for taking ourselves too seriously and shows us how to live longer, happier lives using the healing power of the absurd.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
72 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Loretta LaRoche
22 books18 followersLoretta is an internationally recognized stress-management consultant. She is well-known for her outrageous one-woman shows that have sold out nationwide venues, including Boston Symphony Hall, The Hanover Theatre, Emerson Majestic, and Berkley Performing Arts Center. With over 35 years of experience, Loretta has toured with The Power Within, sharing the stage with great leaders like Arianna Huffington, Former President Bill Clinton, Ellen DeGeneres, and Tony Robbins.
Loretta's media presence is equally impressive, with seven one-woman television specials airing on PBS stations nationwide. Her work has garnered recognition, earning her nominations for local and prime-time Emmy Awards. Loretta has also made notable appearances on major news networks such as CNN, ABC, NBC, and FOX affiliates, further solidifying her credibility and reach.
Loretta's expertise lies in improving the health of organizations by alleviating stress through humor, leaving audiences happy and optimistic. Using her wit, she helps people learn how to take stress and turn it into strength. Advocating fun, optimism, and resiliency, Loretta is the go-to consultant for stress management and improving overall well-being.
Loretta's media presence is equally impressive, with seven one-woman television specials airing on PBS stations nationwide. Her work has garnered recognition, earning her nominations for local and prime-time Emmy Awards. Loretta has also made notable appearances on major news networks such as CNN, ABC, NBC, and FOX affiliates, further solidifying her credibility and reach.
Loretta's expertise lies in improving the health of organizations by alleviating stress through humor, leaving audiences happy and optimistic. Using her wit, she helps people learn how to take stress and turn it into strength. Advocating fun, optimism, and resiliency, Loretta is the go-to consultant for stress management and improving overall well-being.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 6, 2021
A practical guide about taking distance from the rat race, getting yourself back on track. There must be thousands of this kind of books by now. It has a very American flavour: "I used to be that way, but now I have seen the light". Quite nice, but certainly not captivating. I got this book as a gift, and that in itself must be a hint, mustn't it? :).
February 10, 2015
I like reading books by Loretta LaRoche. She's funny and reminds me a little of Erma Bombeck, but with a self-help focus. I love that she tries to help people relieve stress in their lives by finding the humor in everyday situations.
This is a funny book, full of practical advice and great perspectives on life. It's a bit dated, mentioning Christopher Reeve as still living (he died in 2004) and referencing phone cords (I'm sure our girls would ask, what are those anyway?)
Although the book can be a bit preachy and somewhat redundant from her other books, it's always a good reminder to lighten up and take yourself less seriously. It's a quick read.
The book mentions a website, www.stressed.com, which actually just redirects you to another website, http://www.lorettalaroche.com/. She has an entertaining blog there.
I have the strangest coincidences while reading. I often mention it here, but it never ceases to amaze me. I noted the poem by Emily Dickinson on page 11 as worth mentioning here, and then after I finished this book, I started reading Three Wishes: A True Story of Good Friends, Crushing Heartbreak, and Astonishing Luck on Our Way to Love and Motherhood. The same poem is mentioned in that book. Very odd. Here is the poem:
"Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul.
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all."
interesting quotes:
"The art of joyful living is most accessible to those who seek to share their strengths and weaknesses with others in the celebration of their essential humanness." (p. 12)
"Several months ago I watched my granddaughter Erika dance naked in high heels in her living room. I thought, Now, this is something I should try. So one night I greeted Bob at the door wearing nothing but his wing-tipped shoes. I was laughing hysterically about how I looked. Bob didn't crack a smile. Instead, he bellowed, 'What are the neighbors going to think?'
'I don't know,' I replied. 'I haven't shown them yet.'" (pp. 30-31)
"Perhaps as we age, we need to begin to enjoy each other for who and what we are, and not for who we think we need to be." (p. 58)
"Eating healthily, exercising moderately, and especially enjoying food are the keys to a happy life." (pp. 86-87)
"We need to honor our imperfections because they are part of who we are. They will allow us to resonate in the moment if we will only accept the fact that this is our own true nature." (p. 97)
"It's amazing how many of us focus on what's wrong instead of what's right." (pp. 161-162)
"Try to keep some humor in your life, even in the hard times. It will help you to get through difficulties and will lighten your days. No one ever said on his deathbed, 'I wish I hadn't laughed so much.'" (p. 182)
This is a funny book, full of practical advice and great perspectives on life. It's a bit dated, mentioning Christopher Reeve as still living (he died in 2004) and referencing phone cords (I'm sure our girls would ask, what are those anyway?)
Although the book can be a bit preachy and somewhat redundant from her other books, it's always a good reminder to lighten up and take yourself less seriously. It's a quick read.
The book mentions a website, www.stressed.com, which actually just redirects you to another website, http://www.lorettalaroche.com/. She has an entertaining blog there.
I have the strangest coincidences while reading. I often mention it here, but it never ceases to amaze me. I noted the poem by Emily Dickinson on page 11 as worth mentioning here, and then after I finished this book, I started reading Three Wishes: A True Story of Good Friends, Crushing Heartbreak, and Astonishing Luck on Our Way to Love and Motherhood. The same poem is mentioned in that book. Very odd. Here is the poem:
"Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul.
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all."
interesting quotes:
"The art of joyful living is most accessible to those who seek to share their strengths and weaknesses with others in the celebration of their essential humanness." (p. 12)
"Several months ago I watched my granddaughter Erika dance naked in high heels in her living room. I thought, Now, this is something I should try. So one night I greeted Bob at the door wearing nothing but his wing-tipped shoes. I was laughing hysterically about how I looked. Bob didn't crack a smile. Instead, he bellowed, 'What are the neighbors going to think?'
'I don't know,' I replied. 'I haven't shown them yet.'" (pp. 30-31)
"Perhaps as we age, we need to begin to enjoy each other for who and what we are, and not for who we think we need to be." (p. 58)
"Eating healthily, exercising moderately, and especially enjoying food are the keys to a happy life." (pp. 86-87)
"We need to honor our imperfections because they are part of who we are. They will allow us to resonate in the moment if we will only accept the fact that this is our own true nature." (p. 97)
"It's amazing how many of us focus on what's wrong instead of what's right." (pp. 161-162)
"Try to keep some humor in your life, even in the hard times. It will help you to get through difficulties and will lighten your days. No one ever said on his deathbed, 'I wish I hadn't laughed so much.'" (p. 182)
March 4, 2009
LAUGH until your stomach hurts. This book had me doing just that. Sometimes you just have to look a things from a different perspective. With work, your family or in the grocery store, humor can change what might have been a terrible day to one you will remember for the rest of your life. It won't hurt, it doesn't cost a thing and what's the worst that can happen....nobody get's your humor? Who cares, your laughing ang you feel great.
Here is a quote from the book, " One night I met Bob at the door wearing nothing but his wing-tipped shoes, I was laughing hysterically about how I looked. Bob didn't crack a smile. Instead, he bellowed What are the neighbors going to think?
"I don't know, I replied, I haven't shown them yet."
Lighten-up and laugh, you just might live longer.
September 23, 2008
As always... I laughed out loud. Some stories were familiar from the author's other books but this one tells us how to move beyond our little idiosyncrasies. We are human but we love to beat ourselves up... stop! Simple message delivered with humor and examples. A fun and informative read.
April 6, 2020
Great Suggestions
August 20, 2023
A little outdated, but good, timeless advice all around. I am glad I read it. It helped me through a tough moment.
April 1, 2024
Geniaal geschreven, zet alles goed in perspectief
September 19, 2024
Geen hoogstaande, wetenschappelijke literatuur maar een luchtig en eenvoudig geschreven boek dat je doet glimlachen om veel zaken die o zo herkenbaar zijn.
April 4, 2025
An easy read that helps you to think about things from your daily life. Lots of good "points" and recommendations. Very easy to follow.
December 12, 2020
This book taught me to laugh more at certain situations and see life in a different and more casual way, and I thank Loreta for that. However, it can be a little bit repetitive at some points.
January 10, 2014
"Reframing our negative thoughts through humorous exaggeration sends a vital message to the brain that says: 'Hold it, I really don't need to get ready to do battle today. Instead, I'm going to take a shower in endorphins & assume this challenge with a calm, somewhat bemused mind.'"
"You can thank God. Thank Him for giving you life. Give thanks for your health and mental well-being. Appreciate the beauty of nature and of sunsets, thank your God. Say grace before a meal. These expressions of gratitude will make you realize that, actually, you are very lucky. And that's a good thing to know."
Loretta LaRoche has a wonderful gift of enabling you to find humor in every day situations that enable you to cope with the stress of life. This is the 2nd book of hers that I've read, and both books encourage you not to take life too seriously. Some of us definitely need to be reminded of that.
"You can thank God. Thank Him for giving you life. Give thanks for your health and mental well-being. Appreciate the beauty of nature and of sunsets, thank your God. Say grace before a meal. These expressions of gratitude will make you realize that, actually, you are very lucky. And that's a good thing to know."
Loretta LaRoche has a wonderful gift of enabling you to find humor in every day situations that enable you to cope with the stress of life. This is the 2nd book of hers that I've read, and both books encourage you not to take life too seriously. Some of us definitely need to be reminded of that.
December 2, 2013
Normally, I'm not someone who likes to read self-help books. I got this book as a gift, and although I appreciated the thought behind it, I thought I would never read it, much less finish it.
I was wrong.
At some point, I decided to give it a chance. At first, I didn't know what to think of it. I couldn't identify myself with the situations described. But I continued reading it. Taking it with me on travel, reading bits every now and then.
Until I got to the Tadaa-moment with the story about the little child in the hotel sticking his hands in the air. Then I was sold. From then on I really enjoyed reading the book. I like Loretta's humor and her illustrating stories.
I would recommend this book to friends.
I was wrong.
At some point, I decided to give it a chance. At first, I didn't know what to think of it. I couldn't identify myself with the situations described. But I continued reading it. Taking it with me on travel, reading bits every now and then.
Until I got to the Tadaa-moment with the story about the little child in the hotel sticking his hands in the air. Then I was sold. From then on I really enjoyed reading the book. I like Loretta's humor and her illustrating stories.
I would recommend this book to friends.
February 3, 2015
Relax you may only have a few minutes left: using power of humor to overcomes stress
Many examples of using humor to get over the stress in our lifes.
Just pretend to be a 8 year old and be silly-things we have done when we are around our grandson. We need to do these things when he's not even here. See how many heads we can turn.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Many examples of using humor to get over the stress in our lifes.
Just pretend to be a 8 year old and be silly-things we have done when we are around our grandson. We need to do these things when he's not even here. See how many heads we can turn.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
August 23, 2012
Self help book on relieving your stress through humor. A few good ideas, but I don't think some of them would work. I have tried her theories out and have gotten mixed results. If you have heard her talk there is no new material here. If you haven't heard of Loretta, it is a good read and helps you put things in a different frame of mind.
October 17, 2008
It was a fun book to read but it also taught me some things. Like not to take life too seriously. My Mom looked at it while I was reading it and she's going to read it next. Fun for women of all ages.
March 23, 2009
A self-help book that really help to overcome stress with humours...
i had a pretty good laugh when i was reading it...
guess that the books really helped to bring out more humours in my life...
have more fun....
i had a pretty good laugh when i was reading it...
guess that the books really helped to bring out more humours in my life...
have more fun....
March 29, 2011
LaRoche is funny, but I thought the advice was pretty lightweight. If you're worried about people helping with the housework or finding a bathing suit, she offers some advice. If you have real stress, you might want to go elsewhere.
June 20, 2013
This book made me laugh out loud! I was so into it I even did a 10-post series on my Blog about the TA-DAH! suggestions she makes to help people learn how to enjoy the surprises life brings: http://cathy-morningmusings.blogspot....
July 5, 2008
She is the queen of stress management. Delightful book!
April 27, 2008
funny, we all need to relax a little...
October 5, 2008
Excellent!
March 18, 2009
This was a suggestion by my daughter. Light and funny. It doesn't hurt to be reminded to lighten up and maybe that's why I didn't rate it higher. Its really hard for me to lighten up.
July 6, 2010
This is me. Wanting everything to be perfect and getting stressed out when not. Also taking things too seriously. Lighten up, Pam!
Currently reading
September 27, 2010good
May 25, 2011
It does what it preaches. Making me laugh every page. Great book. :)
November 21, 2012
I love it! Humor is what keeps me sane and She does a great job at helping me relax and not take life so serious!
Want to read
December 22, 2013sfpl, read sample, better me, humor, for will
July 28, 2014
Really liked this book. I may have to actually buy it. Has a lot of information that is worthy of rereading.
February 7, 2016
Loretta LaRoche is a very funny lady. Every time I read one of her books or watch a YT video I giggle and then try to remember to share her quote.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews