How to develop a sense of humor?

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A sense of humor allows us to give lightness to certain life events that would otherwise be too heavy. We show you how you can develop it.

Written and verified by the psychologist Elena Sanz.

The sense of humor is very particular. What is funny to one person may not make sense or even be in bad taste to another. In any case, that ability to take life lightly and find the funny side of every situation It is very beneficial in many aspects. Therefore, we want to show you how you can develop a sense of humor.

And, indeed, This is a quality that can be worked on and enhanced.. It is true that there are those who naturally present this talent and others for whom it is difficult to adopt it.

In this regard, the environment in which we grew up plays a fundamental role, since an excess of criticism, ridicule or perfectionism may have led us to be too serious and sensitive. Even in this case, we have the possibility of reversing the situation and benefiting from a developed sense of humor.

Why should you develop a sense of humor?

Traditionally, psychology has focused on identifying and treating pathologies, deficiencies and limitations of character. Fortunately, in recent times, positive psychology has shown us how, By enhancing certain personal strengths, we can improve our quality of life significantly. 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 a 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 the pleasant, kind and funny side is sought, relativizing and actively seeking to experience joy and happiness.

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A developed sense of humor It allows us to better cope with adversity, enjoy more rewarding relationships and achieve greater life satisfaction.. But, in addition, it has an important influence on the state of health.

Various research has found that it helps reduce tension and stress and promotes the release of endorphins. So, protects physical and mental healthprevents diseases and helps us recover from them.

7 keys to developing a sense of humor

To develop a sense of humor, you can put the following guidelines into practice. Of course, make sure to be persistent and apply them regularly. In this way, through repetition, you can modify your tendency.

1. Find reasons to smile

Instead of being absorbed in your thoughts and worries, start living in the present, discovering reasons to smile. A friendly baby that you pass on the street, a dog running through the park, an elderly couple walking hand in hand… any small everyday detail can make you smile if you open a window to the outside.

A sense of humor is an attitude; It is not so much related to what happens as it is to the way we decide to look at it.

2. Enhance laughter

Laughing is one of the healthiest activities and one that we put into practice the least. Thus, It is very beneficial to look for ways to actively enhance laughter.

Look for a comedy series on television, go to comedy shows, read the comic strip in the newspapers or follow funny accounts on social networks. 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 laughter therapy workshop.

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3. Take perspective of situations

Has it ever happened to you that a situation that you found extremely humiliating and embarrassing at the time now makes you laugh out loud when you remember it? This is because now, over time, you are more able to take perspective and you don’t feel as involved in it.

If you try to distance yourself from the negative events that happen to you, you can even find an ironic part in them.. Having your coat rip on the coldest day of the year can be extremely frustrating, but in hindsight it’s also quite comical.

4. Relativize

Sometimes our mind plays tricks on us, leading us to magnify and dramatize events that really don’t have that much importance. A good exercise in this regard is to relativize, think about the future implications of what happened. If in ten days or ten months this situation will be nothing more than an anecdote, why not take it lightly?

5. Learn to laugh at yourself

This is an extremely complicated action for many people; especially for those who suffered ridicule or humiliation during their early years. Nevertheless, Learning to laugh at yourself improves self-esteem and makes us strong in the face of criticism.

If it is too difficult for you to do it in the present moment, you can start by rescuing embarrassing situations from your past and analyzing them now from a new prism, recognizing how ridiculous or surreal they were.

6. Make others laugh

Finally, social relationships are the best setting to develop a sense of humor. Jokes, pranks and funny anecdotes can help you improve this skill, while making your interpersonal interactions a more pleasant and fun experience.

You may be afraid of making a fool of yourself at first, and sometimes you may not receive the feedback expected; But don’t let this discourage you, remember that it is a long-distance race.

7. Create a climate of trust

The humor also has a delicate point. In fact, if it is based on offensive jokes or those that advocate violence, it is not humor.. Even so, and with the best intentions, you can accidentally offend someone.

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Precisely for this reason, it is a very good idea to create a climate of trust in the group, where everyone defines themselves freely and it is made clear what style of humor each one uses. That’s where humor has a chance to gel.

In sum, Cultivating a sense of humor is a simple and effective way to improve your physical health, your mood, and your social success.. So, do not hesitate to work on this strength every day, the changes will soon be visible.