When you really think about it, humor is a fascinating concept. The way we apply it in almost any type of situation is nothing short of miraculous, especially when you consider how downtrodden life can become. If you're like me, you've probably wondered why humans are such big fans of humor in the first place.
Why is humor so important to us as human beings? For one thing, we know that it is practiced in virtually every culture throughout history.We could go on and on trying to understand why and how humor has been so pervasive throughout the ages, but as E.B. White once said, "Humor can be dissected as a frog can, but the thing dies in the process..."
When it comes down to it, we derive great pleasure from laughter because we desire amusement and entertainment. You see, there are 4 different styles of happiness, and humor is in the camp of one of the best ones: It's a present benefit that causes a future benefit. The other styles require a sacrifice of benefit at some point, like how we invest in school to be happier later on. In contrast, humor is a form of pleasure that gives us instant gratification. We all respond to humor because of the instant positive effects, and we could honestly use some more of it sometimes.
What if I don't have a sense of humor? Not everyone is easily amused, but that doesn't mean you don't have a sense of humor. Chances are that the humor you're exposed to now just isn't right for you. We all interpret humorous situations in different ways! It all comes down to your individual likes and dislikes.
For some, satire and parodies are very funny. You may like jokes that references pop culture or famous movies, or you may find the most enjoyment from slapstick humor (physical and over-the-top comedy). For some, dry and witty humor is best because it may take more work to appreciate. All of the different types of humor do have one thing in common, though: it's about finding something amusing and having fun with it.
Why does humor matter? Laughter doesn't just make you feel good in the moment. It also benefits your health by relaxing your body and alleviating stress. Because stress can be a factor many different types of ailments, a lifestyle of humor can actually benefit you in more ways than you can imagine. Humor also boosts your mental health by taking your focus off of potentially negative emotions and onto thoughts that make you happy.
How can I add humor to my life? There are plenty of ways to do this! First, start surrounding yourself around funny and upbeat people. Their positivity and creativity will have a waterfall effect on you, especially since it is so contagious.
Also, start spending a lot of time with kids. The laughter they'll provoke out of you is likely to be the strongest there is (at least I think so). If you don't have kids, consider "playing" with friends or family that will make you feel like a kid again. Simple activities like this are ripe for amusement and laughter.
Watching humorous television shows and movies may also make your life more humorous. The more you take in things that make you funny, the more likely you are to share these moments with others and become more humorous as a result.
Write down the things that you find humorous and funny. Journals are great for keeping track of situations that put a smile on your face, and you can reminisce on these times later in life. On social media networks, have a little more fun. We sometimes like to complain or be somewhat negative online, but humor tends to be more satisfying and amusing.
Do things that are unexpected. The funniest situations in life can happen in a place that is supposed to serious. That is why workplace comedies are so prevalent-these places are supposed to be boring and uneventful, but lively characters have hilarious situations within them. Waiting rooms can also be great places to make a small comment that points out the monotony of the situation. Even if you find yourself being the only person laughing, the fun of it can definitely be worth it.
The key to all of these insights is letting yourself have fun and even being embarrassed once in a while. You'll find that the humorous and memorable stories that put a smile on your face come from the times when you did something outrageous and unexpected.
How do you add humor to your life?
About the Author
Dr. Anthony CentoreAnthony Centore PhD is Founder of Thriveworks; a company that provides healthcare practices across the United States with Medical Credentialing, Medical Billing, and Business Consulting services.
Office Location:
Massachusetts 02115 United States
Phone: 617-395-5806
Contact Dr. Anthony Centore
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thriveworks.com
