Humor and mental health
Apologies for the Dad Joke. I couldn’t help myself. When I thought of writing this little article about humor and mental health, that is the one that came to mind.
We all know the top recommendations for many behavioral health problems such as; going to therapy, changing thought patterns, getting exercise, changing behaviors, ceremony or prayer, etc. It goes on and on. But recently, I was reminded of the healing power of humor. A colleague was listing several coping skills they lean on when another interjected, “Laughing! Don’t forget Laughing!” True. Let’s not forget laughing.
According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the benefits of laughing are associated with positive thinking in general. And because they go hand in hand, positive thinking can release neuropeptides that fight stress. Some evidence indicates that laughter may produce natural painkillers in our body, helping us with the experience of pain. It has also been shown to correlate with connecting to others and cope with difficult times. Because feeling connected to others is so important to our subjective experience, it makes perfect sense that that feeling of affiliation and joy would ease mental suffering.
Other specific benefits include lessening symptoms of depression and anxiety increasing overall feelings of happiness. That seems pretty obvious. But beyond that, it can also improve self-esteem. According to “verywellmind.com”, making fun of yourself can help you feel better about your life, your decisions and can even make you more likable. A little self-deprecating humor can show others you are not very judgmental and that you feel comfortable with yourself. This goes a long way socially. If I see someone else as relatable and approachable, I might also think they would make a good friend.
Personally, I like to keep a few “this will make me laugh no matter what” videos saved on YouTube. I know some of you younger folks will know how to save similarly on TikTok or Gramtown. That way, when I am feeling down or disappointed, I can cue those up and find some relief. I also have about three favorite memories of shenanigans from childhood. I can pull those up and laugh at the sheer ridiculous situations we got ourselves into (this was back when children ran free like deer). Again, I can pull those up like a slideshow when I need to.
Beyond these tips, when you need a lift, reach out to a funny friend. Or reconsider some of your own experiences and try to reframe them. When we laugh at our flaws, we also learn about ourselves. When we gain insight, we can sometimes move forward in a new, wiser way. And if not, at least you have added a funny story to your list.