Everyone Needs a Sense of Humor

Have you heard this one? Two friends are talking and one friend complains to another, "All my husband and I do anymore is fight. I've been so upset, I've lost 20 pounds." "If it's that bad, why don't you just leave him?" asked the second friend. "I'd like to lose another 15 pounds first."

Humor, laughter, frivolity, and mirth - all do the same thing. They make us feel good.

Remember when you were a child and most things made you laugh? You were able to laugh easily, genuinely, without inhibition and with full abandon. A youthful mind is playful and carefree, but, today, as serious minded adults, it's sometimes hard to laugh. After all, there are a lot ofthings going on in your life.

Here are some things to consider, so that maybe you can let go and get back to "just enjoying the lighter side of life."

1. There's nothing wrong with finding humor in situations that may appear serious.

A good sense of humor can repair or even mend a conflict by lightening the mood.

Humor can show the absurdity or foolishness of a situation or at least ease the tension between two people. Laughter is always good medicine. Of course, you should never make a joke at someone else's expense - that's not funny. Humor isn't about laughing AT someone; it's only healthy fun when you laugh WITH them!

Develop the capacity to laugh about your own flaws - and we all have them - because it shows that you are "human" and imperfect.

2. Train yourself to look for the humor behind the chaos in your life. Remember, you can't laugh and be angry at the same time.

3. The ability to laugh at a situation or challenge means that you are less likely to focus on uncomfortable, negative emotions. In addition, the more you experience moments of lightheartedness and delight, the more you tend to look at your life as joyful and hopeful. These positive emotions help shift the way you think, providing you with more opportunities to be objective and insightful. You may even come out on the other side of a crisis, smiling. William James, the respected philosopher and psychologist said, "We don't laugh because we're happy. We're happy because we laugh."

About the author: Amy Sherman, LMHC is the author of Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer's Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life 99 Things Women Wish They Knew Before Dating After 40, 50 and Yes, 60!

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