Humor is an important coping skill that can be a buffer from the negative effects of stress. They say that laughter is healing. Laughter can relieve tension, lower stress and help the mind and body in many ways. Humor has several styles and positive spirited humor can be beneficial for living happier and having healthier relationships. On the other side of the spectrum, humor can have a negative impact where it is used to alienate or as a put down.
Bring on the funny. Finding humor in a situation allows us to step back and see things more clearly. Telling jokes, funny stories and making people laugh puts others at ease and encourages relationships. The tendency to use humor in coping with stress is a self-enhancing strategy.
Sarcasm harms. Humor that is aggressive, used to ridicule or disparage others or even to make fun of oneself, at one’s own expense, can have a negative effect. This kind of humor always feels like “laughing at” rather than “laughing with.”
Healing humor. Humor has a healing way of putting things into perspective and lessening fears. When life feels overwhelming, it may be the time to have a laugh. Here are a few ways to laugh more:
- Watch funny videos, movies, TV shows and stand-up comedians.
- Notice pet’s playful and funny behaviors.
- Listen to, tell jokes and share funny stories.
Laughter is an effective treatment that you can do for yourself. Let laughter help you forget about your troubles and help your body heal.
“Humor is tragedy plus time.” Mark Twain