Easing stress and tension may be as simple as listening to a good joke.
“I want people to have a variety of ways to cope with stress, and humor is one of those tools,” said Andrea N. Taylor, PhD, a psychologist with UT Physicians Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic – BBSB.
Benefits of laughter
Taylor says there are many benefits of laughter.
Humor has a way of bringing a smile to your face. That smile, an outward reflection of how you feel, also makes internal changes to how you feel.
“Laughing is found to reduce stress hormones and increase endorphins, our feel-good hormones,” explained Taylor.
From Santa Claus’s deep belly ho ho ho to a child’s high-pitched squeals, laughing helps us to feel connected, enhances our sense of self, and helps us cope.
“Even if you’re dealing with something dark or heavy, laughter can be soothing and provide a little positivity without dismissing your pain,” said Taylor. “You are allowed to laugh, even when you’re hurting on the inside.”
Tips for finding humor
Cultivate your humor resources so you have easy access to the many benefits of laughter when you need it most.
“Identify your humor library ahead of time,” said Taylor. “When you feel anxiety, anger, fear, stress, or sadness, you’ll already know where to go for a nice laugh.”
- Follow your favorite comedian on social media.
- Subscribe to a YouTube channel that brings out the laughs. Cats anyone?
- Save a funny podcast.
- Get out of your environment and visit a comedy club.
- Sit down to a funny book, TV show, or movie.
- Meet up with friends who make you laugh.
Getting that daily dose of laughter and amusement can come from anywhere, as long as it’s light and helps you feel better.
When to seek help
Use humor as a coping tool, but not as the only way to find calm.
If your anxiety, anger, fear, stress, or sadness are building inside, even after embracing humor, you may need to seek professional help.
“Humor can pop the bubble of heaviness, but if you are still in a negative space after using a variety of coping tools, like laughter, it’s time to speak with your doctor or find a professional psychologist,” said Taylor.
Permission to be silly
Use humor and laughter for benefits like finding perspective, coping with stress, and bringing levity to life’s mishaps.
“When we’re laughing about a mistake that was made, we’re able to learn from it, develop a funny story, and relay it to someone who can relate,” said Taylor.
So, go ahead and embrace the unplanned, unknown, and uncomfortable. All it takes is a few chuckles to help reduce the stress and tension that may come with it.
