Humor can often be seen as a simple and easy way to alleviate a situation immediately and in short term, and consequently can be seen as a superficial and ineffective way of managing. However, a healthy sense of humor can help us cope successfully with difficult situations.
Research has shown that humor can help reduce anxiety by reducing the secretion of stress-related hormones, stimulate emotion and enhance the sense of control that we usually feel like it is lost or limited in difficult situations. At the same time, there is an increase in neuronal activity in the brain's reward system and in endorphin secretion. The procedures mentioned above, combined, contribute to the enhancement of positive emotions. In addition, better seem to be the results of active use of well-meaning humor, especially in situations that involve stress or a negative mood. Humor seems to help us reevaluate adverse situations and sometimes change our perspective approaching them more positively.
In addition, humor, besides enhancing mental balance and well-being, also seems to have benefits for our everyday functioning from health by boosting our immune system, to interpersonal relationships by improving our social interactions, and work by decreasing fatigue and burnout. Finally, understanding and using humor has a positive effect on learning new skills and creativity.