Humor and Enjoyment as Part of the Life Plan

Anyone may think that games and fun are just entertainment, but a sense of humor is a strength of character that allows us to develop our transcendence. For Positive Psychology, connecting with what surrounds us has a fundamental presence to generate a deep sense of meaning and purpose in our lives.

Recognizing that a sense of humor helps us provide it and favors a transcendental virtue. In this regard, Peter and Seligman (2004) point out that transcendental virtues are those that allow you to establish a connection with the universe, thus providing meaning to your life. Such is the case of the appreciation of beauty and excellence, gratitude, hope, spirituality, and the particular aspect that I wish to highlight, the enjoyment of laughing, joking, bringing smiles to other people, in a word generating joy.

The sense of humor as a principle of transcendence

There is a therapeutic inclination that directs attention to wanting to overcome a disorder, manage a discomfort, heal a wound, overcome difficulties, and that is okay. But human excellence is not only achieved through that means. If you try to focus on developing and maintaining a good state of mind, be sure that you mitigate the effects of stress, as it will allow you to positively interpret threatening and conflictive situations. Which will lead to positive subjective experiences.

Here I will talk to you about a strength, the Sense of humor, as a principle of Transcendence. Which is nothing more than the ability to joyfully recognize what is inappropriate, incongruous or inappropriate, to see adversity in a calm way, even to provoke laughter in others or experience it oneself.

Different studies have shown this, which indicate that a sense of humor has numerous positive effects. Laughing is usually associated with changes in the muscular, cardiovascular, endocrine, immunological and neuronal systems. In addition, it favors social relationships and promotes health. It is worth recognizing it as an element that promotes the path to well-being. Stimulates resilience and positive moods that increase personal satisfaction.

If we talk about health, you have to get closer to your values ​​and how you live. And specifically, a sense of humor can promote various effects that effectively contribute to leading a fuller life. Perhaps you are competitive, autonomous and participate in groups effectively, yet developing this strength generates optimism and cohesion, interpersonal skills, perseverance and responsibility. Let’s be clear, it is not applicable only for children or young people, in fact, it is for all ages.

The plan to enjoy life

Simply put, when we use our strengths with balance we are more likely to experience states of flow. If you develop and use humor, you will be able to feel happier, more satisfied, and with more energy, which makes it easier for you to perform better, have greater commitment, and achieve your goals more effectively.

Of course, I’m setting my sights only on a fortress, but it’s like fertilizing a field to make it more fertile. Sometimes it is even necessary to pause your thoughts, become aware, focus on the here and now. Certainly, at this moment, I myself have to thank you for your interest and the time you are dedicating to this reading, because you have allowed yourself to enrich your knowledge, reflect and encourage yourself to this adventure of mutual learning, in which you want to begin to enjoy every day and promote joy.

I do not mean to imply that being sad is negative, and that we should always try to be happy. It would be more of a problem, since it would not allow us to manage all our emotions. Far from what is usually believed, there are no emotions that are better than others, we just have to understand that each emotional state we experience has a reason for being and an adaptive function. And a sense of humor acts as a prevention for physical and mental health.

Keep in mind that therapeutic interventions that promote strengths are necessary. They should even be part of all treatment as they reduce symptoms, prevent relapses and increase quality of life. Furthermore, the therapeutic value of good humor through play is recognized, since, through it, one learns to give in, wait, defend oneself, share, and use the appropriate language to be accepted. All this through fun and enjoyment.

The game provides hundreds of benefits, facilitates the development and understanding of skills. Somehow, joy and laughter are part of everyday life. But they also help you when it is necessary to face tense or complicated situations, and make it easier for you to reduce and mitigate tension.

Laughter is contagious

You may remember or see movie characters, who have the ability to find the funny side in a situation. They are a source of learning through modeling, which allows us spaces of tranquility, in which we release tension. Imagine the background laughter, which appears in comedy series, when something rude happens to the character, in the face of the setbacks of everyday life, and bring it to your memory to mentally adapt it to the present moment.

Be aware of specific moments to use your sense of humor, but do not use it indiscriminately. There are elements of self-control that you should consider, such as empathy, social intelligence, and perspective. Think about the benefits that making jokes has for you. You could get to know each other better, break the ice, create a good atmosphere, reduce stress. Become aware and visualize alternatives for different needs (integration, sociability or fun).

In situations such as a bad night’s sleep, bad mood, irritability, impatience, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, feelings of anguish, anxiety, loss of interest or depression. Symptoms that are not a barrier, you can do something great. Recognize what you feel, accept yourself, embrace your wholeness, love yourself, become aware of your needs, all with love for yourself.

And he decides, despite everything, to generate moments of joy. In order to reorganize your life purpose and feel better, this implies health, emotional well-being, productivity, fulfillment and enjoyment. With your back straight, goals aligned and a smile, your potential shines. Among the keys to success in achieving goals, you also need to have faith, a Positive Attitude and Enjoy.

Encourage a sense of humor, but always listen to all your emotions. Accept every emotion, they are there because that is natural. Map out the change you want, think about how you will be in 5 years depending on whether you actively decide to enjoy yourself, in the long term this change can give you the life you want.

Remember that joy has its own functions, it motivates you and reinforces positive behavior to the extent that it reduces anxiety and physiological stress responses. Do you want to feel more relaxed? Laugh, this way you release the calming hormone, the famous oxytocin. But you may also discover that it improves your quality of sleep and decision making. Certainly, the list of benefits could continue to grow, endorphins, serotonin and dopamine also do their job, you will discover a feeling of well-being, better mood and self-esteem. Believe it, it’s worth it, if you dare, start smiling!