How many times have you heard the phrase, “Oh lighten up,” or “Laugh a little?” Humor through laughter, light-heartedness, and humility is powerful. When you laugh, your body creates a chemical response which releases endorphins that, in turn, relieve stress and pain. These endorphins trigger positive feelings and emotions. And let’s face it, a little humor can go a long way in our personal and professional lives in today’s environment.
However, in a professional setting, humor can be tricky. Leaders are often held to a higher standard. Many times, their every move is being watched and they have a reputation to uphold. They must acknowledge and respect personal sensitivities and understand that a comment or action can be perceived as humorous to one person and offensive to another. They also must balance the “don’t take yourself too seriously” advise with the reality that if they don’t take themselves seriously, no one else will either. In all honesty, whether in your personal or professional life navigating our ever-evolving social climate can be a bit like walking a tightrope.
Still, used appropriately, humor can ease tension, build camaraderie, create a common bond, and bring teams together. It can be just what you need in the moment.
Here are quick and easy ways to adopt more humor:
- Embrace the strangeness of your current reality.
- Change the tone to change the conversation.
- Smile often.
- Lighten up.
- Listen for an endearing opportunity to lovingly self-deprecate.
- Find funny people.
- Let go and laugh often.
When is the last time you laughed, I mean laughed really hard? How did it make you feel?
Think of someone you know who uses humor well. Who is really funny? Who others laugh with?
Who uses humor with humility? How can you emulate those personality traits?
How many times have you heard the phrase, “Oh lighten up,” or “Laugh a little?” Humor through laughter, light-heartedness, and humility is powerful. When you laugh, your body creates a chemical response which releases endorphins that, in turn, relieve stress and pain. These endorphins trigger positive feelings and emotions. And let’s face it, a little humor can go a long way in our personal and professional lives in today’s environment.
