Insight Forge with Terry Mante: Laughter as your personal reset button

“A good laugh is not just fun; it is functional.” – Terry Mante

The daily grind and the weight of stress

Have you ever found yourself laughing in the middle of a stressful day and wondering why it suddenly feels lighter? Why does a good chuckle seem to melt tension away, at least for a moment? Can humor really be a tool for managing the pressures of everyday life? Let’s talk about it.

We live in a world that often feels like it’s operating at full throttle. From work deadlines to family demands, and social media pressures to financial responsibilities, stress is practically baked into modern living. Most people try to power through, ignoring the signs of burnout until it’s too late. But what if there was a lighter, more joyful way to handle life’s heavy moments? Humor, as it turns out, might be just the relief valve we’ve been overlooking.

The science behind the smile

Humor is more than just entertainment. It is a coping mechanism that supports emotional resilience. When we laugh, our bodies release endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that act as natural painkillers and mood boosters. At the same time, laughter reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, helping the body relax.

Science has shown that laughter triggers positive physiological changes. It boosts your immune system, improves cardiovascular health, and even enhances pain tolerance. Laughter oxygenates the body and stimulates circulation, which contributes to a sense of overall well-being. In short,

Finding funny in the middle of chaos

Think about the last time you shared a joke with a colleague or watched a hilarious meme after a tough meeting. That brief moment of levity didn’t just distract you. It recharged you. Humor has the power to shift our perspective, helping us take ourselves and our problems a little less seriously.

Sometimes, it is the difference between spiraling and stepping back. In the thick of stress, humor offers emotional distance. It allows us to zoom out and see our situation with a little more objectivity and grace. Even when nothing about the situation changes, our response can; and that makes all the difference.

Humor at work: A secret weapon

Even in serious workplaces or high-pressure situations, people who can find the funny side tend to handle stress better. They are often more resilient, more creative, and even better team players. Humor builds connection and strengthens camaraderie. When we laugh together, we form bonds that act as a powerful buffer against stress.

Leaders who use humor appropriately tend to be more relatable and approachable. Teams that laugh together often collaborate more effectively and navigate conflict with more ease. Humor can make meetings more engaging and help defuse tense moments. It does not mean you do not take work seriously; it means you bring humanity into the mix.

The right kind of humor matters

Of course, it is not about turning everything into a joke or ignoring genuine challenges. It is about balance. It is about allowing space to breathe, smile, and regain perspective, even in the chaos. Humor does not erase problems, but it can make them easier to carry.

Importantly, we must be mindful of the kind of humor we use. Positive, inclusive humor lifts people up, while sarcasm or mockery can do more harm than good. The goal is to lighten the atmosphere, not belittle others. Choose humor that heals, not humor that hurts.

A Joyful habit worth building

So, the next time life feels overwhelming, do not just grit your teeth through it. Call that friend who always cracks you up. Watch a funny video. Revisit that hilarious text exchange or memory that always makes you smile.

Make it a habit to seek out humor the way you seek out food, water, or rest. Add laughter to your self-care routine. Curate your own collection of favorite funny things – a playlist, a group chat, or a set of jokes that never fail. In a world that rarely slows down, laughter is your personal reset button.

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About the author

Terry Mante is a thought leader whose expression as an author, corporate trainer, management consultant, and speaker provides challenge and inspiration to add value to organizations and position individuals to function effectively. He is the Principal Consultant of Terry Mante Exchange (TMX). Connect with him on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads and TikTok @terrymante and www.terrymante.org.