“How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb?” One, but the light bulb has to want to change.”
It’s likely you’ve heard that old joke before, but it still brings a smile or a chuckle. In recent months, perhaps as a coping or self-care strategy during the pandemic, I’ve gotten a lot of comfort and enjoyment from reading silly jokes and watching funny TV programs and movies, even if I’ve already seen them a few times before.
“I have an inferiority complex but it’s not a very good one.”
I also started posting a funny pun or joke each morning on my personal Facebook profile, and it’s been an entertaining distraction for me and amusing for many of my Facebook friends.
“Why can’t you hear a psychologist using the bathroom? Because the “P” is silent.”
I tend to gravitate toward puns and “dad jokes,” so there’s a lot of virtual groaning and eye-rolling in response to the posts. My father was a non-stop joke and story teller throughout his life, so I guess I may have inherited his funny bone. It’s also been gratifying to discover several jokes and puns with a psychological slant.
“Ego and Superego walk into a bar. Bartender says, “I’m gonna need to see some Id.”
I’ve had many, many friends send comments about how the daily dose of humor is welcome during these stressful times and they’ve encouraged me to continue. Some now put other jokes and puns on my timeline. Of course, any good psychologist knows that behavior which is reinforced is more likely to continue, so I’m certainly going to keep posting more of the jokes and puns.
“Some guy on the street gave me a flyer on anger management. I admit I lost it.”
I’m also aware that there are physical and mental health benefits associated with exposure to humor and laughter, so I did a little research to refresh my memory on these positive effects, and there are many:
- Boosts immunity
- Lowers stress hormones
- Decreases pain
- Relaxes your muscles
- Prevents heart disease
- Adds joy and zest to life
- Eases anxiety, depression and tension
- Relieves stress
- Improves mood
- Strengthens resilience
- Strengthens relationships
- Attracts others to us
- Enhances teamwork
- Helps defuse conflict
- Promotes group bonding
“I just wrote a book on reverse psychology. Do not read it.”
Looking to inject more humor and laughter into your life? It’s pretty simple. Try these strategies:
- Seek out funny jokes, stories, books, sitcoms, and movies.
- Laugh out loud when something amuses you.
- Hang out with fun and funny people.
- Tell someone a joke.
- Ask a friend or family member to share a funny memory.
- Take a “laughter yoga” class.
“I want to be cremated as it’s my last hope for a smoking hot body.”
To learn more about health benefits of laughter and humor, search online for “therapeutic humor” or “humor therapy.” You’ll find lots of additional information. Or check out the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor. If for no other reason, do it just for the “pun” of it.
Here’s a question: What kinds of humor do you find funny? Please leave a comment. Also, please subscribe to my blog and feel free to follow me on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram, “like” my Facebook page, or connect on LinkedIn. Finally, if you enjoyed this post, please share it with a friend.