A sense of humor allows us to give lightness to certain vital events that would otherwise be too heavy. We explain how to develop it.
Last update: June 24, 2022
What seems funny to one person may not be funny to another or even be in bad taste. Either way, this ability to take life lightly and find the fun side of every situation is beneficial in many ways. It can therefore be useful know how to develop a sense of humor.
It is, in fact, a quality that can be worked on. There are those who naturally present this talent, but this is not the case for everyone.
In this regard, the environment in which we grew up plays a fundamental role, as an excess of criticism, humiliation or perfectionism can make you too serious and touchy. Again, however, we have a chance to turn the situation around and benefit from a sense of humor.
Why should we develop a sense of humor?
Psychology has focused on identifying and treating pathologies, deficiencies and character limitations. In recent times, positive psychology has shown us that by valuing some personal strengths, we can greatly improve our quality of life.
The sense of humor is one of the most highlighted by Martin Seligman, one of the main authors of this current. Although there is no single definition of "sense of humor", we can describe it as a tendency to experience positive states of fun, joy and lightness and express them through laughter.
It is an attitude towards reality in which one seeks the pleasant and fun side, relativizing problems and actively seeking to feel joy and happiness.
A developed sense of humor allows you to better cope with adversity, enjoy more rewarding relationships, and be more satisfied. Besides that, it has an important influence on the state of health.
Several researches also indicate that it helps reduce tension and stress and promotes the release of endorphins. It therefore protects physical and mental health, prevents disease and helps heal.
7 strategies to develop a sense of humor
To develop a sense of humor, the following guidelines can be adopted. Of course, you have to be persistent and apply them regularly. Through repetition, this quality can be improved.
1. Look for reasons to smile
Instead of immersing yourself in obsessive thoughts and worries, you have to learn to live in the present on the basis of reasons to smile. A nice child who crosses each other on the street, a dog running in the park, an elderly couple walking hand in hand… Every little daily detail can make us smile if we open a window to the outside.
A sense of humor is an attitude; it is not related to what happens as to the way we choose to look at it.
2. Laugh more
Laughing is one of the healthiest activities and the one we practice least. In light of this, it is very useful to actively seek laughter.
Find a comedy series, see comedy shows, read jokes or follow funny stories on social media. Any option is valid as long as it makes you laugh. If you are looking for a more complete experience, you can sign up for a rice therapy seminar.
3. Look in perspective
Does the thought of a story you have experienced as extremely humiliating and embarrassing today make you laugh out loud? After some time, one is able to look at things in perspective and no longer feel involved. Distancing yourself from negative events even allows you to find an ironic part in them.
4. Relativize to develop a sense of humor
Sometimes the mind plays tricks, leading us to magnify and dramatize events that aren't really that important. A good exercise in this sense is to relativize, think about the future implications. If in ten days or ten months this situation is nothing more than an anecdote, why not take it lightly?
5. Learn to laugh at yourself
An extremely complicated action for many people; especially for those who were heavily criticized during their early years. However, learning to laugh at yourself improves self-esteem and makes you strong in the face of criticism.
If it's too hard to do in the present moment, you can start by thinking about embarrassing situations from the past and looking at them in a new light, recognizing how ridiculous or surreal they were.
6. Make others laugh
Social relationships are the best context for developing a sense of humor. Jokes, jokes and funny anecdotes can help improve this skill, making interpersonal interactions more enjoyable and fun.
At first, you may be afraid of being teased and you may not receive the expected feedback; but let's not let that discourage us, remember that it is a long distance race.
7. Create a climate of trust to develop a sense of humor
Jokes that are offensive or supportive of violence are not part of the concept of humor. Even with the best of intentions, we can unintentionally offend someone.
It is advisable to create a climate of trust in the group, to define oneself freely and to clarify what kind of humor is appreciated. Here humor becomes a glue.
Conclusions
Developing a sense of humor is a simple and effective way to improve physical health, mood and social success. Don't hesitate to work on this skill every day, the changes will soon be visible.
