Something to Laugh About - Turning things around with humour
By Audrey Pihulyk
You have heard the old saying, "Keep your noses to the grindstone." This saying aptly illustrates the old Puritan work ethic of no nonsense and hard work. While this mentality has a long history, its principles still govern the thinking that permeating some of our workplaces today. But, as we shall see, research shows that "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."
In ancient times the dominant theory of humour was the Superiority Theory, where humour was used by one person to put down another, and in so doing, to make that one appear superior. Throughout history this was the dominant way of using humour. Because this has been ingrained in our society for so long, some people today are suspicious of humour. 
More recently, however, another theory of humour has emerged - the Incongruity Theory. Here humour is described as being a mismatch between what we expect and what we experience. For example, you hear a knock on the door expecting to see someone there, instead you see the family dog banging its tail against the door. What you expected is not what you see, hence incongruity. 
It should be noted that humour is not an unrealistic, pie-in-the-sky response that evades the difficult issues of life. Rather humour helps us maintain a positive outlook even in the face of challenging situations. Think of the meeting with relatives and friends after the funeral of a loved one, where stories are exchanged and laughter can be heard rippling through the crowd. What is happening? Tensions and sorrows are being lightened through fellowship and generous doses of humour. 
One valuable asset that humour can provide is mental distance, which is the ability to step back and look at situations in a different way. For example, observe a butterfly struggling to break out of its cocoon. As we step back and watch closely, we begin to observe the scene from a disengaged perspective. We should soon see the butterfly breaking out of the cocoon and spreading its beautiful wings for flight. This mental distance is particularly valuable to policemen, firefighters and health care workers who daily face life and death situations. Visualizing difficult situations through humour can help them step back and look objectively at critical situations, being less negatively affected by them. 
Another asset of humour is to provide distance in time. For example, when we are facing a challenging situation our view is narrow, all we see is the present discomfort and trouble. However, as time passes, we are able to look back at that difficult moment, experience less pain and even see some humour in it. Most importantly, therefore, the distance in time humour provides can bring stability and emotional healing to our lives and to those around us. 
Humour is also a valuable asset in the workplace. Managers who are effective in their business dealings realize that humour can break down barriers, build team spirit and morale, while softening any message. Humour can make us more receptive to business training. 
When these training sessions are presented in a relaxed and humorous manner, participants tend to respond positively, and thus retain more that is taught. 
Comedian, Ernie Kovacs said, "If you’re going to tell ‘em the truth, make ‘em laugh or they’ll kill you." An exaggeration, no doubt, but bad news that brings stress can be softened by humour.
 An innovative company was introducing a new computer program, a guaranteed recipe for stress. However, the company began the process by soliciting from its employees humorous cartoons relating to computer training, and then offering prizes for the most humorous ones. They then trained the employees that possessed the most humour, who in turn trained the other employees. Laughter could be heard during the training sessions turning the entire procedure into an anticipated event. 
Recently a growing number of Fortune 500 Companies are offering their employees "humour rooms" in which they can take a break from mental work, to relax and "play." These rooms are brightly painted, many with pool tables, humour videos and computer games, all to provide diversion for stressed workers. So far the results have been positive, with the employees apparently feeling more relaxed, operating under reduced stress. They are proving what philosopher John Dewey said, "To be playful and serious at the same time is possible, and it defines the ideal mental condition." To which we say "Good advice." 
How far we have come from our childhood of fun and play, from the time we as children laughed five hundred times a day to where most of us now laugh only fifteen times a day. What keeps us from releasing the "child within?" Probably the seriousness of being an adult with the responsibilities that we carry. If we look within, we can still find the "child" that is waiting to be released. How can this be done? Look for opportunities for humour and fun. Read cartoon books, watch funny movies, hang around humorous people and best of all, spend time with children. 
As our lives get increasingly complicated, having a sense of humour can act as a buffer against stressful situations. Everyday we can look for opportunities to see humour in the things that may negatively affect us. By so doing we can add hope and richness to our lives and to the lives of those around us.
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© Copyright 2001 Audrey Pihulyk is a “humour-cilator” who speaks at conventions and organizations on “Winning Strategies for Life”. To book Audrey to speak at your next meeting email audrey@possibilitiesnetwork.com,  through her web site, www.possibilitiesnetwork.com , or call 1-866-484-2197 Used with permission  of Author.
Article courtesy of Bob ‘Idea Man’ Hooey and Ideas At Work!  www.ideaman.net 
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