The Importance of Humor for Healing
Therapeutic Humor is any activity that enhances health by promoting playful discovery, expression, and appreciation of the absurdity of life’s situations.
THE BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER
Physical Health Benefits:
- Strengthens immunity
- Lowers stress hormones
- Decreases pain
- Relaxes muscles
- Prevents heart disease
- Promotes more restful sleep
Mental Health Benefits:
- Adds fun and happiness to life
- Lowers anxiety and fear
- Lifts depression
Social Benefits:
- Strengthens relationships
- Attracts friends
- Enhances teamwork
- Helps defuse conflict
- Promotes group bonding
HOW CAN YOU HELP SOMEONE HEAL THROUGH HUMOR?
- Incorporate humor and laughter into everything you do – you’ll be surprised by how contagious it can be!
- Smile! Remember, smiling is one step away from laughter. And, like laughter, it is contagious. When you see someone smiling . . . notice how it becomes impossible not to smile back!
- Remind your clients to count their blessings. This can be done mentally – or literally (like making a list). Just thinking about all the good things in life can bring about a positive change in perspective.
- Listen for the sounds of laughter around you as you work. Seek out those who are laughing and join in! Most people will be happy to share the laughter because it gives them an opportunity to laugh again!
- When you come across someone you find funny, observe the way the world reacts to this person. These are generally people who laugh easily–both at themselves and at life–and who easily find humor in the simplest things. Notice how these people are generally healthier and have more friends.
- Help your clients develop their sense of humor. Tell a story about something funny that happened to you (without mentioning other client situations). Then, ask your client, “What’s the funniest thing that happened to you today? This week? In your life?”
- Bring family members into the loop. Ask them to share funny childhood stories or memories.
- Remind family members and loved ones that its okay to laugh. It doesn’t mean you are not taking the situation seriously. It just means you want to make the most of every day!