One of the best ways to reduce stress is to keep your sense of humor. Do not panic, do not overreact and do not use unnecessary force. If you do people will avoid you. Happy people get more done than their oh-so-serious counterparts. Actually, being joyful can make you laugh all the way to the bank. Would you rather buy a car from a stressed-out, verbally abusive salesman, or someone whose company you enjoy? Would you rather work around someone who is congenial, or someone moaning and groaning about what ought to be done? "A cheerful heart is good medicine" Proverbs 17:22. However, keep in mind 2 things when it comes to humor:
- Make sure your humor is at no one else's expense. Avoid jokes about things others might be sensitive about. Weight, hairdos and cheating husbands or wives might make some people laugh, but to others it is so funny. No one likes to be the butt of the joke. Be careful with teasing someone else. Make sure that their personality can handle your humor. It is always wise to let the joke be on you; you know you are not going to offend yourself!
- Remember that timing is everything. "There is a time for everything...a time to weep and a time to laugh" Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4. If people do not believe you truly care about them, your humor will produce only a shallow and strained response.
- Every relationship, every path you cross, every conversation you have can ultimately be used by God to further His purposes.
- Whether at work, at home or at play, always keep these things in mind.
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