“A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower
Overview
Life is complex enough in itself. We should try to enjoy the light moments, otherwise, life’s trying times could drown us in self-pity and bitterness. In everyday life, the common man suffers from a lot of stress and tensions. We are subjected to trivial and significant challenges every day, but the way we choose to respond to them is what will make the difference. To a certain extent, one has the power to make the best out of the worst situation, just by tackling it with a sense of humor.
What is a sense of humor?
There are several ways to manifest a sense of humor.Making people laugh by cracking jokes, enacting gestures, mannerisms, and mimicry are classic examples of a sense of humour.It should be remembered that sarcasm cannot be taken as humor.Making fun of someone’s weakness exposes the shallow mentality of the person, rather than creating humor. It is better to laugh at oneself as most comedians do, instead of laughing at others.
Advantages of a sense of humor
- Attracts people to you
People like to laugh, they like to get rid of their stress and just have a good time. As a result, they like hanging around with people who make them laugh and are fun to be with.
- Helps to cope with Stress
Stress is something we all have to deal with. A healthy sense of humor helps to diffuse the stress and divert attention from the problems.
- Provides health benefits
Laughing has been shown to improve your immune system by helping your body produce more infection-fighting materials. It has also been shown to relax your muscles and lower your blood pressure, making it a great way to keep your heart healthy and lower your chances of having a heart attack.
- Helps to improve your mood
Whenever your mood is low because of any situation, a pinch of humor adds spice to life and uplifts the mood.
- It’s Good For Your Brain
Another benefit of having a good sense of humor is that laughing is good for your brain. According to a study by the University of London, good jokes can activate the part of the brain that is important for learning and comprehending.
“Humor is by far the most significant activity of the human brain.” Edward de Bono
- Helps to strengthen friendships
You feel closer to people with whom you are able to have a good laugh. By joking around with friends and family, you not only enjoy a good time with someone you care about, you are also building a bond and a treasure of memory that you will cherish in times to come.
- Helps to diffuse anger
When you are angry, the situation is likely to turn from bad to worse. When you joke around, it is easy to get others to forgive your mistakes and it is easier for you to avoid getting angry with other people as well.
- Helps those around you
By having a sense of humor you can help others around you laugh and cope with their problems. Knowing that you are making someone else’s day and you are helping them relax and enjoy life for a minute can be rewarding all by itself.
- Creates a good impression.
A friendly appearance with a bright smile on your face and a good sense of humor helps you to make a good first impression.
- Helps in improving relationships.
In addition, humor is an effective cure for disagreements, anger and hurts. During the difficult time in your relationship, sharing a good laugh will be enough to bridge the gap and fill the crack. Last but not least, humor helps to strengthen your relationships.
Ways to develop a sense of humor
A sense of humor like other traits is inherited but it can also be developed by conscious effort. The following are some of the ways to develop a sense of humor:
- Read and listen to healthy jokes for all occasions.
- Watch comedy serials.
- Watch comic videos on youtube or elsewhere.
- Keep the company of witty and humorous people.
- Practice the art of cracking jokes.
- Develop a keen sense of observation with a view to add appropriate humor wherever possible.
- Start adding humor in your lives first within the family, then extend it to friends, acquaintances and even strangers.
- Always remember to keep your humor and your smile even during the hardest times of your life.
Takeaway
Humor is not only good for your health physically and emotionally, but it also improves your relationships. Moreover, having a good sense of humor helps you to stay healthy emotionally.
The challenge for everyone is to become more aware of how to add humor, and when to avoid it. Too much humor, like too much spice, often annoys others. Humor that is perceived as insensitive often leads others to shut down, or become argumentative. To ensure that our humor is welcomed by others, we need to combine our humor with speaking clearly and listening effectively.
To sum up, having a good sense of humor is one of the most important human qualities. We can use jokes to release our stress and to lighten our spirit. Let me end with a quote by Henry Ward Beecher “A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs. It’s jolted by every pebble on the road. “
Fragrance of Success 