Tips for Finding Humor in Turbulent Times, Part 1

It's helpful to define what "healing humor" is, so we know how to effectively apply it: healthy, therapeutic humor enhances relationships, is non-hostile, sympathetic, benevolent, tolerant, and often philosophical. In defining this, let us be careful to distinguish it from hurtful, harmful humor that is more aggressive, critical, sarcastic, and cruel, often based on put-downs, and involves laughing at someone else’s expense.

The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) has generated a list of 10 great tips to help you lighten up and rise above the current turmoil and stress you may be experiencing; some seem simple (pun) enough, but bear reminding:

1. Adjust Your Attitude - Stop watching the news and start counting your blessings instead of your money! The blessings will increase, while the money is…well, you know!

2. Make Someone Else Happy - Send unexpected ‘thank you’ or greeting cards to a mix of people. Start with those who aren't expecting it but deserve it. Then, send a couple to people who aren't expecting and don't deserve it. Then, pick a couple names at random out of the phone book that certainly aren't expecting it and have no idea who you are!

Next: Find out how to play with the "signs of the times" and get inspirations for totally Random Acts of Silliness and Kindness!

Finding Humor in Turbulent Times

These days, the economy is on its wildest ride in decades. The line waiting for a government bail-out is almost as long as the check-out line waiting in stores this holiday shopping season. Many folks are simply at wits end in trying to deal with it all! Fear not - there’s humor to be found amidst all of this chaos and confusion. The great thing about humor is it’s FREE and available to everyone. It’s sugar-free, fat-free, salt-free, and tax-free! It’s available 24-7 and you don't need a prescription! There’s no assembly required and you don’t need batteries! It’s environmentally friendly, and best of all, it’s socially contagious!

In the next few posts, I will give you a series of tips to help you relocate that FunnyBone of yours, or inspire new ways to make the world brighter -- stay tuned!