How Dad Jokes Can Help You Live Longer

In the battle of life, Viktor Frankl once pointed out that humor is a secret weapon we all possess. He said: “It is well known that humor, more than anything else in the human make-up, can afford an aloofness and an ability to rise above any situation, even if only for a few seconds.”

Let's explore how you can harness the power of humor to boost your resilience and uplift your spirits, even if it's just for a few seconds.

Find Laughter in Everyday Moments:

Make a conscious effort to find humor in the ordinary moments of your day. Whether it's a funny mispronunciation, a witty observation, or a playful interaction, allow yourself to laugh and appreciate the lighter side of life. Seek out humorous books, videos, or shows that bring a smile to your face.

Laugh at Yourself:

Embrace self-deprecating humor and learn to laugh at yourself. When we can find humor in our own imperfections and mishaps, we cultivate a resilient spirit that can bounce back from setbacks. Remember, it's okay to make mistakes – they can often lead to the best punchlines in life.

Share Humor with Others:

Spread the joy of laughter to those around you. Share funny anecdotes or jokes with friends, family, or colleagues. Humor has a contagious effect, and by bringing a smile to someone else's face, you create a positive ripple effect in the world.

When my grandfather was sick, and surrounded often by a healthcare team, he would be asked: "Can i take your blood pressure?" In the depths of cancer, without missing a beat, he'd respond: "As long as you give it back!"  

There are different types of humor: There are the dad jokes, there is sarcasm, puns . . . . make sure your humor is kind-spirited and doesn’t put others down. And then watch as humor becomes a powerful ally, offering us an escape from life's challenges.

By finding humor in everyday moments, laughing at ourselves, and sharing laughter with others, we cultivate resilience and an ability to rise above difficult circumstances. Remember, even in the darkest of times, humor can shine a light on our path, leading us towards hope and healing. Humor was created for a reason, so let's embrace it as a gift and let laughter be our guiding star through life's journey.