Common physical manifestations of stress:
Common psychological manifestations of stress:
A good "sense" of humor and laughter can trigger both short and long-term health benefits, increasing overall well-being.
“With the fearful strain that is on me night and day,
if I did not laugh, I should die.” ~ Abraham Lincoln, 1865
Immediate Benefits of Humor and Laughter
Long-Term Benefits of Humor and Laughter
"Laugh, and the world laughs with you; weep, and you weep alone." ~Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Mixing humor into the workplace is a social skill.
Consider timing, audience, and intent. Be prepared to follow-up whether you "fly" or "fail"
Never use humor to gain power, bully, or tear-down
People appreciate positive, "bonding" humor over aggressive humor
Humor should bring people together or smooth the way during disagreement
Constructive criticism is delivered better with a smile than a frown
Don't take yourself too seriously....humor can keep you afloat!
Collaboration and cooperation are strengthened by shared humor and laughter
The best medicine?. (2015). Mayo Clinic Health Letter, 33(7), 7. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.
Cann, A., & Kuiper, N. A. (2014). Research on the role of humor in well-being and health. Europe's Journal Of Psychology, 10(3), 412-428. doi:10.5964/ejop.v10i3.818
Frey, R. J., & Cataldo, L. J. (2020). Stress. In J. L. Longe (Ed.), The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine (6th ed., Vol. 8, pp. 4914-4920). Gale.
Purcell, M. (2016, May 17). The healing power of humor. Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/lib/laughter-is-serious-business/
Romero, E.J., & Cruthirds, K.W. (2006). The use of humor in the workplace. The Academy of Management Perspectives 20(2), 58-69. http://www.emotionsnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/RomeroCruthirds2006.pdf
Shellenbarger, S. (2013, August 13). Secrets of effective office humor: Making colleagues laugh takes timing, self-confidence--and the ability to rebound from a blooper. Wall Street Journal.
Stress relief from laughter? It's no joke. (2021, July 29). Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456
Thompson, K. (2013). Funny Business at Work. Phi Kappa Phi Forum, 93(3), 25. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.
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