Laughter As Medicine
How to Use Humor to Persevere Through Challenging Times
In life, challenges are inevitable. Whether they come in the form of personal hardships, professional setbacks, or global crises, moments of adversity can feel overwhelming. Yet, amidst the weight of these difficulties, humor offers a unique and powerful tool to lighten the load and cultivate resilience. Many of my patients struggle to cope with ongoing health issues and sensitive if not at times shame inducing symptoms. I am not a comedienne, but I try to find ways to make them smile. A favorite quote of mine is from Mary Poppins who famously said, “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” Humor, like that metaphorical spoonful of sugar, can make even the most bitter experiences more manageable. Let’s take a closer look at how humor helps us persevere through tough times by reframing challenges, fostering connection, enhancing mental and physical health, and creating moments of joy even in darkness.
The Reframing Power of Humor
Humor allows us to reframe our perspective on challenging situations. When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to become consumed by negativity. However, humor has a remarkable way of shifting our focus and helping us see the absurdity or lighter side of even the most trying circumstances. By injecting levity into a situation, we gain the ability to detach momentarily from the intensity of our struggles and view them through a more manageable lens.
In daily life, humor can help us reframe minor inconveniences and major challenges alike. Once, in the middle of a talk I was giving during a conference in front of a few hundred people, a section of the ceiling actually fell and part of the ceiling caved in leaking large amounts of water. I remember my heart racing and my jaw dropping, scanning the room to make sure everyone was ok. Upon seeing that thankfully no one was sitting directly under that section and that the building staff were rushing to manage the situation, I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. I made a passing joke about how impactful my talk on pelvic pain was that I brought the rough down as the kids say. In that moment there was nothing to do but laugh and move on as best as possible.
Fostering Connection Through Shared Laughter
Humor is also a powerful tool for fostering connection. In times of hardship, the feeling of isolation can compound our struggles. Shared laughter, however, bridges gaps and creates bonds. When we laugh with others, we experience a moment of unity, a reminder that we’re not alone in our challenges.
This is particularly evident in group settings, such as workplaces or families, during stressful periods. Laughter creates a sense of camaraderie, turning “me against the problem” into “us against the problem. Even during profound grief or tragedy, humor can help maintain bonds. At a funeral, for instance, sharing funny memories of the deceased often brings comfort. These moments of laughter honor the person’s life while offering relief from the heavy weight of loss. It’s a way of saying, “We’re still here, together, and we’ll get through this.”
Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Humor
The connection between humor and health is well-documented. Laughter has measurable benefits for both mental and physical well-being, making it an invaluable resource in navigating challenging times.
From a psychological perspective, humor reduces stress and promotes resilience. When we laugh, our brains release endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” chemicals. These endorphins counteract stress hormones like cortisol, helping us feel more relaxed and optimistic. Humor also fosters a sense of control. While we may not be able to change our circumstances, finding humor in them reminds us that we can choose how we respond.
Physically, laughter has been shown to lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, and even alleviate pain. Norman Cousins, a journalist and professor, famously wrote about how he used laughter to aid his recovery from a debilitating illness. Cousins watched comedic films and found that 10 minutes of hearty laughter provided him with hours of pain-free sleep. His experience underscores the profound healing potential of humor, even in the face of significant health challenges.
Humor as a Source of Joy in Darkness
Challenging times often feel devoid of joy. However, humor can create moments of levity that remind us life still holds beauty and delight, even amidst hardship. These moments act as emotional lifelines, breaking up the monotony of struggle and offering brief but powerful reprieves.
Consider the role of comedians during times of societal crisis. Late-night hosts and satirical programs often tackle heavy topics with humor, helping audiences process difficult realities without becoming overwhelmed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, many comedians turned to social media to share relatable jokes about lockdown life: “My fitness goal this week is to stop eating snacks between snacks.” These lighthearted takes on a shared global experience provided much-needed comic relief.
On an individual level, humor can turn small, everyday moments into sources of joy. A child’s innocent observation or a pet’s goofy antics can elicit genuine laughter that feels like a balm for the soul. These moments remind us that while challenges persist, so does the capacity for joy.
Practical Ways to Cultivate Humor in Difficult Times
Incorporating humor into our lives during challenging times requires intentionality. While humor may arise spontaneously, we can also cultivate it through specific strategies:
Seek Out Humor: Surround yourself with sources of laughter. Watch a favorite comedy, read a humorous book, or follow social media accounts that make you laugh. The act of seeking humor is itself an affirmation of resilience.
Share Laughter: Engage in conversations with friends or loved ones who share your sense of humor. Sharing a funny story or joke can create a ripple effect of laughter and connection.
Practice Self-Deprecation: Laughing at ourselves can be incredibly freeing. Acknowledging our quirks and imperfections with humor allows us to approach challenges with humility and lightheartedness. As Mary Poppins demonstrated, a little whimsy can go a long way.
Keep a Humor Journal: Record funny moments or observations. Revisiting these entries can provide a pick-me-up when times are tough.
Embrace Playfulness: Engage in activities that encourage laughter, such as playing games, trying something new and silly, or spending time with children, whose natural playfulness is infectious.
Balancing Humor with Sensitivity
While humor is a powerful tool, it’s important to use it thoughtfully. Inappropriate or poorly timed jokes can alienate others or diminish the seriousness of a situation. The goal is not to dismiss challenges but to navigate them with a sense of levity and grace.
Humor should be inclusive, empathetic, and attuned to the context. For example, in a workplace setting, jokes should uplift rather than target individuals. In moments of shared grief, humor should honor rather than diminish the experience. When used wisely, humor becomes a bridge rather than a barrier.
In challenging times, humor acts as both a shield and a balm, protecting us from despair and soothing our spirits. Like the proverbial “spoonful of sugar” from Mary Poppins, humor doesn’t eliminate the medicine we must take but makes it more palatable. It helps us reframe our struggles, connect with others, and nurture our mental and physical health. Most importantly, it reminds us that even in the darkest moments, joy and laughter are still within reach.
As we navigate life’s inevitable hardships, cultivating a sense of humor isn’t just a coping mechanism—it’s an act of resilience and hope. By choosing to find lightness amidst the heavy, we empower ourselves to persevere and emerge stronger on the other side.
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My dad always says if you're not laughing, you're not living.