How do you rate your sense of humour?

Ifind it amusing that most of us, even the grouchiest ones, believe that we are in possession of the funny streak.

Humour indeed has health benefits. We have heard all too often about laughter being the best medicine. In more recent times, researchers in psychology and mental health have humour to be the most effective defense against anxiety or stress, and also a soothing balm against negative effects of loss and deprivation.

There is a contradiction of sorts that despite most members of society claiming to have a sense of humour, we find much grumbling, anger, sorrow and fights in our offices and community. The reason could be two-fold.

Humour is truly subjective. What seems funny to one may not be funny at all to another. While PG Wodehouse can trigger a giggle in many, I have seen others put the book down with a sardonic “What is so funny about it?” kind of expression.

Not to be disheartened, researchers have gone on to explore and study different types of humour and how they impact our brains, moods, health and life.

AFFILIATIVE HUMOUR:

refers to common simple jokes that are universally considered funny, the types that we often use in starting a conversation among strangers in a party. They help build relationships with friends and colleagues.

SELF-ENHANCING HUMOUR:

Is the type when you crack the joke on yourself…for example how stupid you looked when you physically banged against the wall and fell on the floor at a party as your attention and gaze were fixed on an attractive person across the room! This kind of joke enhances your ‘likeability’ among peers.

AGGRESSIVE HUMOUR:

Is laughing at the expense of others. It involves ridiculing, mocking, teasing, being sarcastic or putting down someone to generate a laugh.

When many people think they have a sense of humour, this is often the type they inadvertently practice. It does not create geniality, relaxation or positivity.

SELF-DEFEATING HUMOUR:

Where one makes himself the butt of all the party’s jokes and ridicules. Sounds magnanimous at first, but generally leads to alienation, isolation and depression if it becomes a recurrent pattern of offering oneself as the “punching bag” all the time.

You may self-assess your ‘humour status’ by taking a test on www.humorstyles.com.

Learning to laugh well could be a great stressbuster and help add that dash of spice to enhance the quality of your life.