Personal growth can be challenging, but it can also actually be a lot of fun. Sure, life is serious and at times it can be very hard. But that does not mean that you shouldn’t go through life with a smile on your face and some spring in your step.
Engaging in some form of personal growth and development is important for each us in order to become better and more effective people. The better we get, the better we are with handling different situations and different people. Personal growth can be crucial for having success in our life. But that does not mean that you need to be a grouch about it.
Your personal growth can have light and fun moments that go along with it. Having a good sense of humor can help you get through life’s tougher challenges. You just may even reach your goals sooner if you learn to lighten up a bit.
Numerous studies support the conclusion that laughter is powerful medicine. However, just like any drug, it’s important to follow the directions to avoid unwanted side effects.
Find out how to use humor skillfully, so it will enrich your life.
Appreciating The Benefits Of Humor:
1. Live Healthier.
Research shows that laughter can lower your blood pressure and heart rate, strengthen your immune system, and burn calories. It also releases endorphins that may help you to fight depression. Depression and stress are bad. Your owe it to yourself to use something that can be so easy to do and pretty much free like having a sense of humor.
2. Boost Your Popularity.
A quick look at dating profiles will prove that a sense of humor is a very attractive quality. A lighthearted approach may also be useful for resolving conflicts and delivering feedback.
Some business schools even teach humor as part of developing leadership ability.
3. Reduce Stress.
Have you ever experienced relief when your boss cracks a joke when tensions are rising due to heavy workloads? Humor often drives away anger and fear.
It is called comedic or comic relief for a reason. Even Shakespeare had moments of comic relief in his most serious of plays.
4. Increase Your Resilience.
The mental and physical health benefits of humor can help you through ordinary days and difficult times. Hardships are easier to bear when you can recognize the irony in the situation.
Cultivating Your Sense of Humor:
1. Be Kind.
Tasteless jokes and ridiculing others are more likely to get you fired than promoted, or ostracized from your social group. You want to generate the kind of humor that creates social bonds and takes a playful view of life.
FYI: A little self-deprecating humor can go a long way. But do be careful not to over do it.
2. Just Smile More.
Start out by looking friendly and approachable. Smiling at others will give you more opportunities to have fun.
Okay, maybe not on the street or in a crowded bus or subway car. But in social settings like conventions or weddings and other parties, a natural smile can make the difference to meeting new and interesting people.
On the other hand, Smile! People will wonder what you are up to!
3. Hang Out With Fun People.
One you have met some new and fun people, surround yourself with your family and friends who know how to enjoy themselves. Laughter is contagious. Sharing routine activities can be just as diverting as jokes and pranks.
4. Simply Act Silly.
You could be missing out on joyful experiences because you’re worried about looking foolish. In reality, you’ll probably earn more respect by letting go of your need for approval and behaving more authentically.
Be careful and be tasteful but playing the fool once in while can be fun and liberating. Avoid the old lampshade on the head routine and do not over-indulge in stimulants. But do try to have some fun.
After all, the fool just may be the precursor to the savior!
5. Think Creatively.
What can you learn from a comedy writer’s brain? MRI scans show higher levels of activity in the temporal lobe where spontaneous associations are made. Try and learn new things and trust your instincts.
Read. Learn. Do. Be.
6. Take Some Risks.
Being funny may require sharing your thoughts and feelings. You can start small in situations where you feel safe, like with your family or chatting online.
7. Fake it ‘Til You Make it!
What if you’re having trouble finding anything funny? Even simulated laughter can lift your spirits. Pretend to chuckle and feel it turn into the real thing.
Practice smiling at yourself in the mirror. See how that makes you feel.
8. Play With Kids.
Children are an excellent source of inspiration. Listen to their stories and join in on their games. Think about this: Once upon a time, you had a similar vast imagination as they do now. What happened? We became adults. Good for us!
Play with your children. Dress up in a silly costume when you go out on Halloween with them….
Your dog may be willing to share some pointers too. No pun intended. See! That was funny! (“Pointer”, in case you missed it.)
9. Watch Videos.
As long as you have an internet connection, you can access a wide variety of amusing content. Watch cats shredding toilet paper or senior citizens disco dancing.
Don’t over do it. The goal here is to maybe get some ideas but spending hours and hours online is not the point – Humor with other live people is!
10. Use Props.
Laughter is more effective when you practice on a daily basis. Keep objects around that will remind you to take a break. Decorate your office desk with windup toys. Hang a set of oversized wrenches in your garage.
Wear you Cat In The Hat hat to work one day.
11. Shift Your Perspective.
Almost anything can be humorous if you change the way you look at yourself and your world.
Look for the fun and entertainment value in parent teacher conferences, getting a physical (colonoscopy anyone?), and garbage strikes. Really. When you think about it, what other choice do you have?
Emotional intelligence depends on striking a balance between humor and seriousness.
Conclusion
Laugh your way to greater happiness, health, and success. Using humor kindly and responsibly can help you to grow, become more social and fulfill your true potential.
As hard as life is can can be, he world is a very funny place. Open your eyes. See the humor that is all around us and then start embracing more of the lighter side of life.
Life should not be all doom and gloom. There are times that it will be, of course. But develop your sense of humor so that you can make the best of the good times and have another way to deal with the hard times, when they will come.
Life is just way too short to live in misery. Smile, laugh and have as much fun as you can!
Be A Man – Do The Right Thing. Grow And Work Towards Becoming Your Best Self That You Can be. But, Seriously, Laugh And Smile As Much As Possible.
BAM!!! Be A Man! Do The Right Thing.
Be the DtRTy Guy