Tips for Finding Humor in Turbulent Times, Part 4

Reframing things in a new way...

Viewing things in a slightly humorous way -- just a little bit differently, helps to give a lighter perspective and is an effective coping mechanism.

This can be easily and natually done by anyone, just by applying a little creativity and thinking outside the box:

7. Use Your Imagination:

Think of what would happen if certain companies merged.

For example:

Fairchild Semiconductor and Honeywell Corporation would become “Fairwell Honeychild.”

If FedEx joined UPS, they might become “FedUP.”

8. Rename to Keep Sane:

Cash Flow: The movement your money makes as it disappears down the drain.

Broker: What I am today, after taking the advice of my financial planner.

9. Exaggerate – Comedians use overstatements to get a laugh.

You can too:

Our family is so poor these days… to save on milk, we eat our corn flakes with a fork.

Our family is so poor these days… when someone rings the doorbell, I stick my head out the window and yell, “Ding-Dong.”

10. Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella – This simple choice is yours: You can frown and be miserable – an option readily chosen by way too many people -- or you can wear a contagious smile.

In your conversations with people, smile and ask to see their smile. Then say, “I see you’ve been practicing!”

Want more great information to inspire humor in everyday?

Check out this FREE online audio program:

Healing Humor: Live Happy - Be Healthy -- For Everyone, Everyday!

To provoke more smiles through inspired mirth, “Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy” a complimentary 5-session online audio program with companion E-Books, to help participants discover the positive health benefits of humor, how to administer generous doses of humor, and ways humor may be interjected into every day for a happier, healthier life.

Written and presented by Becky Cortino, coordinator of FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains Hospital Clown Creative Arts Ministry, this program was launched in celebration of Frye Regional Medical Center’s “Healing Arts Festival” held in the spring of 2008.

Program details and to sign up for “Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy”: http://snipurl.com/23els

Thanks to the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) for supplying these "10 Tips for Finding Humor in These Turbulent Times!" Becky Cortino is a member of AATH.

For information on the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH): http://www.aath.org/

Tips for Finding Humor in Turbulent Times, Part 3

Random Acts of Silliness and Kindness usually involve the element of surprise, with an imaginative twist on the usual, reframing things just a bit differently...

5. Fun with Food:

Put a bag of cookies or marshmallows in your briefcase. Then, start your meeting by asking, “Dessert, anyone?”

Have a marshmallow stacking competition!

Put a pack of bubble gum in your coat pocket and, in the elevator, offer some to everyone!

6. Pop Go Your Worries – Save your bubble wrap!

It’s a great stress reliever.

Pop it with your fingers, knees and toes! Dance on it! Pop it with the help of young children! Pop it, in unison, to the beat of music!

Bubble wrap also makes a great FUN gift!

7. Use Your Imagination:

Think of what would happen if certain companies merged.

For example:

Fairchild Semiconductor and Honeywell Corporation would become “Fairwell Honeychild.”

If FedEx joined UPS, they might become “FedUP.”

Next: Reframing things in a new way...

Tips for Finding Humor in Turbulent Times, Part 2

There are plenty of ways to add a touch of humor to the everyday -- just look around!

This installment encourages you to play with the "signs of the times" and offers inspirations for totally Random Acts of Silliness and Kindness...

3. Signs of the Times - here are some mirthful sayings to spark up your conversations:

The rules have changed… there are none!

Apparently not all clowns are in the circus!

Never wrestle with a pig - you both get dirty, but the pig likes it!

You don’t have to be crazy to work here…but it sure helps!

If we’re closed, just slide the money under the door!

I’m not weird… I’m gifted!

4. Try Some Random Acts of Silliness and Kindness:

Wear mismatched gloves or socks… on purpose!

If and when a store clerk, restaurant server or flight attendant asks matter-of-factly
“How are you today?” try replies such as: “Well medicated - and you?” or “At least I’m verticle!
Instead of them always thanking you, thank them first and watch their reaction!

Next: We will show you how to carry this Humor-Thing a few more steps further, including:

How to Have FUN with Your Food!

Popping the Bubble for Stress Relief!

Use Your Imagination!