Biz Tips from NCET: Handling stress in today’s world

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​With all that we’ve experienced over the last two years, I don’t think anyone would deny that we could all use just a little more laughter in our lives. But what about more laughter at work? I think most of us would agree that laughter feels good and is good for us. So why shouldn’t it be part of our daily work life?

Right about now you might be thinking, “what is there to laugh about, Mr. Comedian?” Well, I think we can always find something to laugh about – even under the most difficult of circumstances. If anything, the lack of humor in troubling times only makes those times seem worse. And believe me, I’ve been someone who has taken my own life way too seriously and suffered from it.

So, let’s start with the basics, because I’m not advocating hiring a company comedian or holding open mic lunch hours to find the best humorist in the company. Humor is simply having two (or more) divergent or unrelated thoughts connect in new and unexpected ways. It’s the element of surprise. And our brains love novelty.

When it comes to humor there are many benefits for us. Increased well-being, higher productivity, reduced stress, etc. Let’s look at a few of the most prominent ones. Humor creates an environment of light-heartedness and provides a sense of perspective that can help dissolve tension and protect us from stress. When we learn to laugh in tough times, it provides us with the ability to overcome our challenges and persevere. Research suggests that humor leaves us feeling happier and with a higher sense of job satisfaction.

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