How Humor Builds Resilience: Insights from Positive Humanism and Psychology

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How Humor Fosters Resilience in Challenging Times

You know, sometimes life throws these curveballs at us when we least expect it — stress at work, personal setbacks, or just the general chaos of the world. During those times, it can be tough to stay grounded and hopeful. But here’s something I’ve noticed and found fascinating: humor, that simple act of finding something to laugh about, can actually help us build resilience and keep going even when things look bleak.

Humor isn’t just about making people laugh or lightening the mood. It’s a powerful psychological tool that connects deeply to concepts in positive psychology and even applied humanistic philosophy. When we laugh or smile during difficult moments, it activates a shift in our mindset. We move away from pure stress and anxiety, and that shift promotes healing and personal flourishing. In many ways, humor embodies humanistic values — it’s a reminder that even in tough times, we have the capacity to rise above, to cope, and to find meaning without surrendering to despair.

Think of humor as a kind of emotional first aid. It helps buffer us against the negative emotions dragging us down. When we use humor, our brains release endorphins and other feel-good chemicals. These not only improve mood but can reduce physical tension and even boost the immune system. That biological reaction is part of why humor matters so much when we’re facing challenges.

But beyond the biology, humor has a unique social and existential role — especially from a secular worldview. Without relying on supernatural comfort, humor lets us confront the absurdities and difficulties of life head-on. It’s a form of resilience that doesn’t deny reality but instead humanizes it. This approach closely aligns with positive humanism, which focuses on living well, grounded in human experience and reason.

What’s really interesting is how people use humor differently in adverse situations. Some use gentle self-deprecation to remind themselves not to take life too seriously. Others use playful sarcasm or irony to highlight contradictions or frustrations. This variety in humor styles helps people cope in ways that feel authentic to their personal experience. It’s not about denying pain or failure but about reframing the narrative so those things don’t have the last word.

If you ever felt that moment when something funny breaks through the heaviness — whether it’s a meme, a joke between friends, or even a silly thought — you know the relief and lightness I’m talking about. That moment is super valuable. It shifts perspective, lowers stress, and recharges mental energy.

From a practical standpoint, cultivating humor can be part of a daily resilience toolkit. What if, instead of seeing humor as just “fun,” we thought about it as a practice of well-being? That’s exactly where positive psychology and applied humanistic philosophy intersect: they encourage adopting strategies and mindsets that promote human thriving without needing external validation or beliefs. Humor fits perfectly into this model.

For those interested in exploring how these ideas connect, I highly recommend the book, Positive Humanism: A Primer, by Bo Bennett, PhD. It explains how humanistic values shape a resilient, fulfilling life from a secular perspective — and it highlights humor as one of the key tools in that journey.

So, next time life feels overwhelming, try to find some humor in the situation. Share a laugh with a friend. Watch a comedy. Or even just think of something funny that happened earlier that day. These moments are more than distractions; they’re steps toward personal flourishing. Embracing humor helps us navigate challenges with a lighter heart and a stronger spirit.

Learn more about the book and start your journey to flourishing today! Visit positivehumanism.com to find resources that support building resilience through humor and other powerful humanistic strategies.

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