Although laughter might not be the best medicine in every context, it is physically beneficial in most. Laughter decreases stress, increases endorphins, and has a positive effect on our organs and immune system. Laughter improves the flow of oxygen, reduces pain, and burns calories. Laughter also plays an important role in our psychological disposition and emotional fulfillment. Laughter serves as a defense mechanism to deflect tension, deal with disappointment, and distract us in moments of despair. Laughter establishes or repairs relationships and helps to create positive connections both socially and professionally. It is for these many reasons that the value of Humor is so valuable.
Sometimes humor comes to us in the form of a joke, a friend saying something stupid, a comedy on TV, or an animal video that went viral.
But often, we need to proactively look for the funny and take a little initiative and responsibility for our mood. As Marie Osmond once said, “If you’re going to be able to look back on something and laugh about it, you might as well laugh about it now.” Think about what you can do to honor the value of humor in your daily life and your business interactions. To help you, I’ve included an acrostic above and four reflective questions and one task below. And remember what author and philosopher Elbert Hubbard advised, “Don’t take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.”
- Describe your humor?
- How would others describe your humor?
- What was a troubling situation that you can now look at with humor?
- What factors help you to be in “good” humor?
- For one day, come from the perspective of HUMOR in everything you do and with everyone you meet. Write your observations and feelings.
Wishing you lots of laughs,
Stacey Zackin, PhD, MSW, PCC (Manager, WORK_SPACE)