Humor … A Laugh Can Really Help

Humor is humanity’s wonderful gift. A comedic moment is a relief as it uses both hemispheres of the brain to negotiate life. Humor resulting in laughter can help us smooth rough places and soothe both anxiety and stress. It also keeps our respiration in check and lowers blood pressure. A robust laugh can even create the flushed glow associated with physical exercise like workouts on gym equipment. Even a simple chuckle can relax muscle tension and ease pain. Life requires our attention, but recognizing the funny in our foibles and shortcomings can help us live longer, enjoyable days.

Humor can even assist in the helping others.

One might ask, “What place does humor have in the Counseling Office?” Guiding an individual who is treading troubled waters is serious business. If seats were reversed and the counselor laughed at my dilemmas, I would hunt for another therapist. For certain, the professional relationship with a client is a privilege. It can also be delicate in its formation especially when it comes to trust.

Humor requires a gentle touch like seasoning with salt and pepper … the right amount at just the right time. Finding the appropriate timing begs some insight—as in offering a client a friendly greeting to relax and welcome them.

Some time ago, a thirtyish woman frequented the office with many issues. There was a plethora of upset with her husband, children, in-laws, and her profession. She and her family had also purchased a new home. Although dressed impeccably in tailored suits, hair and make-up movie-ready, her “touchy side” often bristled as she would shake with anger and vindication. She felt everyone was against her … she was ready to show them a thing or two!

There was a particular day where she brazenly voiced her situation, throwing her extremely large pocketbook onto the rug. The contents spilled everywhere, and while grabbing at things, lost her balance and landed in the middle of the mess. She was a quite a sight with her suit badly winkled and nylons torn. She clutched at her designer shoe that sadly, now was heelless.

There was a long pause.

As I knelt to help her, our eyes locked. My lips quivered. Her eyes gleamed with mischief. Then, we both shook with laughter as she collected her items and resumed her seat. The hostility had abated. In its place came a reasonable demeanor with a measure of graciousness and, yes, respect for her husband and her family. Our session flourished and suddenly became productive.

Indeed, humor can appear serendipitously when the right moment happens. The bottom line is not to brush away the client’s dilemma. But using humor to validate and encourage can be helpful in forming a tighter connection of mutual understanding.

I suggest that you visit the upside of life. Be open both to the preposterous and the jovial. Allow yourself a chuckle now and then. Yes, life is very serious. But putting on a smile can make the difference.

You won’t regret it.

… “and that’s how I live it.

Please note: This essay was inspired by my second book, “Paid in Chocolate, Tales from the Counselor’s Chair” and by you, my esteemed reader.