What is it about Humor that can really get things going? Have you ever been in a workplace meeting where everyone is "brainstorming" some new idea? Everything is going stagnant and nothing is getting done. Everyone is inputting his or her ideas but nothing seems to gel. All of a sudden, someone cracks a joke, the tension is gone and the meeting rolls along.
While attending a meeting in a computer manufacturing business, one of the participants looked over at the table and saw these beautiful cookies laid out for everyone. She commented, "Since I'm new, I have to ask, do we have these cookies at every meeting? I'm concerned I'm going to gain weight while working here". Another participant stated, "Of course and it is a problem because when B started here, he was only 120 pounds". At this, everyone just roared since B was about 220 pounds.
Humor helps people to relate to each other. As kids, we are always cutting each other down in jest. We can't be serious all the time because our relationship won't grow. At a party, who is the star? Isn't the one that shines the one that is telling stories that are comical or telling jokes? Have you said, "He's so funny, I love to be around him". Do you remember a joke that someone said? In a conversation, your memory may all of a sudden stumble across a joke that someone said even years ago. We may be in the middle of a serious conversation and all of a sudden, we remember something funny that someone said. We have to contain ourselves because of the seriousness of the conversation but we just want to bust out laughing. If we do lose control, the other participant of the conversation is having a hard time seeing what you are laughing about due to the seriousness of the conversation. Do you let them in on the joke?
People that are serious all the time can become lethargic and depressed. Have you ever been around someone that just broke up with their boyfriend or girlfriend? They're down and all you want to do is get them back up. So, you start telling them jokes. You cut them down and tell them here's my opportunity to kick you while you're down. You ask them since Susan dumped you can I date her now? You’re willing to say anything to get them back up. (Besides, he knows you didn't even like Susan!)
Being constantly depressed can change your body's biochemistry. Often, people that are chronically depressed are treated with pharmaceutical drugs. Many of these individuals may have a family history of depression. Humor can change the person's biochemistry and if significant enough, could it possibly alter the level of need to be dependent upon pharmaceutical drug?
Although it is not the subject matter of this article, there is a lot of scientific study in this area. People that are suffering from depression do well when their counselors utilize humor as a medium in their relationship. There is a lot of opportunity to benefit from various therapies such as music therapy and art therapy.
People that are humorous are fun to be around. They tend to be very energetic and have a lot of friends. Friendship makes the world go round.
Have you read your joke of the day?
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Humor
