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How To Survive Stress In Our Times (More on the right side of the screen)

Surviving Stress With Humor

If you can find humor in anything --even poverty-- you can survive it.

--Bill Cosby

It is no secret that humor and laughter can help us survive stressful times in our lives. On this site, take a look at some of the life events that contribute most to our stress levels and see images, watch a movie, and listen to sound clips that demonstrate humorous adaptations to stress.

Your Stress Scale

How many of the following stressful life events have you experienced in the last year? Note the point value on the right and add up your score. (see totally unscientific score sheet below.)

(Adapted from the "Social Readjustment Rating Scale" by T. Holmes and R. Rahe, first published in the "Journal of Psychosomatic Research", Copyright 1967, vol.II p. 214.)

Top 15 Fun Things to Tell Co-Workers Who Try To Dump Work on You

1.	What? Something else you are not competent to do? - Pat-the-who-gives-a-Ratbert's-butt-cubicle-rat
2.	Sure, I'll do your work for you, if you sign your paycheck over to me. - Never saw him again!
3.	Just put it in my inbox (and point to the trashcan). - no-work-bert
4.	I have absolutely no relevant knowledge or any idea how to do this, but I'll be glad to take a blind stab at it and give you the "credit"! - associatebert - this has never NOT been true
5.	Thanks, I'll be charging my time to your department at overtime, of course, since I already do 40 hours of my own work. - Hey, it's a paycheck
6.	"I'll do that for you if you'll organize the Fall Picnic." Works every time. - YesItHappens a lot
7.	Thanks! I overheard the Pointy-Haired Boss say that whoever completes this project will be getting a big raise. - It could be true bert
8.	I'm surprised you're still here. In that last report you asked me to do for you, I must have put, "The Boss is a pinhead" in it at least one hundred times. - Bye-Bye-Bertie
9.	Do you want this in blue crayon or purple? I broke my green one. - Bad Attitude
10.	"Let me tell you about how Dianetics changed my life." After that, "Do you want to contribute to orphaned Malamute refugees? Let me tell you about the new movie I've seen 14 times." - Keep talking till they back off...
11.	"Well, in order to give me this work you have to fill out these forms..." Point to a pile of papers 17 feet high. - Evilbert
12.	Since this work is above my league, I'll just have my experienced PHB do it for you. - Duane
13.	"Somebody from HR was looking for you about 10 minutes ago." That works any time there are layoff rumors. - Recent winner of the severance package lottery
14.	Better than actually saying anything: Listen to your co-worker's proposition. Look at him with a face that conveys utter incomprehension. Keep at it for ten seconds. Then tilt your head backward and laugh until he leaves you in peace. - They usually don't come back for seconds.
15.	No. - Call me crazy

Top 15 Things You Are Least Likely to Say When You Get Laid Off

1.	WOW! I never saw THAT coming! - Miss Ann Thrope
2.	At least the vital personnel got to keep their jobs! - Losing_control_over_fists_of_death
3.	Here is the list of twelve-character, alphanumeric system-level passwords that only I know. - Mata Harry
4.	I'll just leave the backup copies of all my files and the only hard copy detailing my day-to-day processes on your desk, right beside the box of office supplies I brought back from home. - Anything I can do to make your job easier...
5.	Wait! Let me finish this conference call with our most difficult client and get all the problems solved! - DSL-Bert
6.	Should I train my replacement before I leave? - oops, sorry, forgot to leave my home number, too
7.	Yes, I'll sign that nondisclosure agreement now. - Ya-gonna-sack-me-if-I-dont-Bert?
8.	Don't forget that I still owe $1000 for the travel advance. - Govbert
9.	Can I still come in for the staff meetings? I want to keep up with the company. - Raul
10.	You can't fire me - I quit! - That's what they want! Duh!
11.	At least I still have those Internet stocks to fall back on. - The Poodle King
12.	Keep the severance pay. I'll have a new job tomorrow. - Pipedreamer
13.	But I was so happy here! - Yin within Yang
14.	Oh yes, please DO consider me for rehire when the business improves. - 5 job offers, severance package, outta there!
15.	Keep in touch. - Bored-Bert

Scott Adams has partnered with IDEO, the company that designed the Palm V, the first Apple computer mouse, the original laptop computer and Crest's Neat Squeeze stand-up toothpaste tube, to create the ultimate cubicle. The "kit of parts" allows employees to customize their workspaces according to their needs.

Along with practical solutions for common work necessities like storage, counter space, etc. the design includes a hammock, an aquarium, a floor cooler, rotating floor modules, a Wall Flower fold-down chair, a coat hanger and locker, and a motorized shoe polisher.

Other features include:

Boss Monitor		An icon that, when pressed, lets you see the boss's office door in order to keep tabs on his activities, moods, etc.
Pink Gerber Daisy		"Wilts" when cubicle is empty and springs up when a person enters the space.
Trash can		Vibrates (as if tickled), and speaks and/or giggles when trash is placed in bin.
Self-timing Guest Seat		A micro-switch that, when triggered by the seat being unfolded, will set off a timing circuit, which will then dial the extension of the phone in the workspace. This provides the inhabitant with an excuse to get rid of the guest.
Sun Lights		Over the course of a day, the lights in the top modules glow or fade to simulate the movement of the sun.
Drink Temperature Control		A plate on the desk that acts as a cooling or heating unit.
Screen / computer monitor		A split screen. Right side is a view chosen by employee. Left side is computer monitor. Left side's screen saver is the same view as on the right.

STRESS

EVENT VALUES

1. Death of spouse

100

2. Divorce

75

3. Menopause

60

4. Separation from living partner

60

5. Jail term or probation

60

6. Death of close family member other than spouse

60

7. Serious personal injury or illness

45

8. Marriage or establishing life partnership

45

9. Fired at work

45

10. Marital or relationship reconciliation

40

11. Retirement

40

12. Change in health of immeditate family member

40

13. Work more than 40 hours per week 

35

14. Pregnancy or causing pregnancy

35

15. Sex difficulties

35

16. Gain of new family member

35

17. Business or work role change

35

18. Change in financial state

35

19. Death of a close friend (not a family member)

30

20. Change in the number of arguments with spouse or life partner

30

21.Mortgage or loan for a major purchase

25

22. Foreclosure of mortgage or loan

25

23. Sleep less than 8 hrs per night

25

24. Change in responsibilities at work 

25

25. Trouble with in-laws, or with children

25

26. Outstanding personal achievement

25

27. Spouse begins or stops work

20

28. Begin or end school

20

29. Change in living conditions (visitors in the home; change in roommates, remodeling house)

20

30. Change in personal habits (diet, exercise, smoking, etc.)

20

31. Chronic allergies

20

32. Trouble with boss

20

33. Change in work hours or conditions

15

34. Moving to new residence

15

35. Presently in pre-menstrual period

15

36. Change in schools

15

37. Change in religious activities

15

38. Change in social activities (more or less than before)

15

39. Minor financial loan

10

40. Change in frequency of family get-togethers

10

41. Vacation

10

42. Presently in winter holiday season

10

43. Minor violation in the law

5

TOTAL WHAT'S YOUR TOTAL SCORE?

Less than 100 Life is great, what are you whining about?!

100 to 250 So you've got some stress, you should see my life!

Over 250 Have a nervous

 breakdown--you've earned it!!

 

Here's an article that explains the biological mechanisms behind humor as a defense against stress:

HYG-5219-96

Laughter and humor are two powerful tools, helping people cope and get through threatening situations. Looking at life's situations with a sense of humor and laughter provides perspective and helps keep things in balance when life seems unfair. Humor and laughter are a source of power, healing, and survival. We often forget this when caught up in the troubles and trauma of life. Bill Cosby says, "If you can find humor in anything, you can survive it."

What You Get When You Laugh

While we are working at surviving, laughter can help us to maintain our perspective. The next time you feel like you're losing control, allow yourself a little "humor time." If you can find what's funny in a situation, your upsets might not seem as important as they once did.

Humor gives a sense of power.

There are many things in life that we have no control over and can't change. As long as we have a sense of humor, however, we can do something -- such as minimize the hold that upsets have over us. Humor has the power to turn any situation around.

Humor helps us cope.

A lot of the suffering and troubles we experience are not a result of our difficulties, but how we view them. Gail Sheehy notes in her best seller, Pathfinders, that the ability to see humor in a situation was one of the four coping devices that "pathfinders," people who overcome life's crises, used as a protection against change and uncertainty. Using humor in difficult times can be one of the smartest ways of coping with them, easing our worries, and getting on with life.

Humor helps establish communication and rapport.

Laughter knows no cultural boundaries. You don't have to speak the same language to laugh together. Laughter also helps break the ice when you're in a group. It is the one form of communication to which everyone can relate.

Humor relieves tension.

We all know the relief we feel when someone in a group makes a funny comment during a tense situation.

Humor dispels anger and aggression in ourselves and others.

It helps to use humor when dealing with an angry child. A study of humor in the classroom showed lower scores on aggression for students viewing a humorous videotape.

Humor increases learning and retention.

Humor can be used as "diagnostic tool."

If we listen carefully to a person's humor, it can help us realize his or her fears and worries. When a person jokes around, he or she may be indirectly telling us about the things that are bothering him or her.

Humor is an important, often overlooked tool. The better adjusted you are and the more satisfying your lifestyle, the more readily you will respond to the humor in jokes, cartoons, and everyday situations. Be aware of taking yourself too seriously. It is important to learn to laugh at yourself.

You can learn to share your laughter and help make others laugh. This doesn't mean telling jokes unless that is one of your talents. It means beginning to share your humorous perspective and giving others permission to do the same. A good sense of humor is something everyone can work on. It doesn't just happen. Here are some suggestions to help add more laughter to your life:

• Recognize the value of humor.
• Don't worry or analyze why people laugh -- just participate.
• Think funny -- look for the humor in every situation. Learn to laugh at the incongruities in life.
• Keep a notebook of funny things and write in it daily.
• Adapt material. Use humor from any source. Personalize it and change it to suit your situation or the problem at hand.

Remember that laughter not only makes you feel better, but the use of humor can be a major tool for insight. George Burns says it best: "You can't help getting older, but you can help getting old. Chronologically, the clock is going to keep on ticking for all of us,
but if we take a lick of humor, we can prevent a hardening of the attitudes. If we savor humor, humor can be a lifesaver."

References

Klein, Allen. The Healing Power of Humor. Los Angeles: Jeremy P. Tarcher, Inc., 1989.

Nelson, Donna, One Life to Laugh. Glendale: Potentials, 1990.

Prepared by

Nancy K. Recker
OSU Extension Agent
Family and Consumer Sciences
Northwest District

The frog and the hamster

Joe: Hey, bartender, I'm all out of cash. But if I show you something truly amazing, will you give me a free beer?
Bartender: You know, everybody asks me that, and I've seen it all. But you're certainly welcome to try me.
Joe: (Takes a frog and a tiny piano from his pocket, sets them on the bar. The frog begins to play the piano beautifully and with much skill)
Barman: My gosh, Joe, that's pretty amazing. Here's your beer. (minutes pass, Joe finishes the beer, the frog keeps playing)
Joe: Barman, I could use some more beer. If I show you something even more amazing, can I drink for free all night?
Barman: You're pushing it, Joe. This had better be good!
Joe: (Takes a hamster from his pocket, sets it next to the piano, and it begins to sing a tune along with the frog and piano!)
Barman: Damn, Joe, that's a hell of a show. Sure, you can drink for free. All you gotta do is ask.
(A third man, Bob, saw all this and moves next to Joe)
Bob: Say, Joe, I'll give you fifty bucks for that there hamster!
Joe: Sure, put up the cash.
Bob: (Pays Joe) Thanks, man! (leaves)
Barman: Joe, you just sold a priceless hamster for fifty bucks. You could have a lifetime of free beer with that thing!
Joe: Nah, don't sweat it. The frog's a ventriloquist!

The Dilbert Zone has all the humor you need to survive  has all the humor you need to survive your workplace!

The Twelve Affirmations of Positive Humor

I am determined to use my humor for positive, playful, uplifting, healing and loving purposes.

I will take myself lightly while I take my work in life seriously.

I will not seek to be offended by other's attempts at humor. When in doubt, I will see others as meaning well.

I will express my humor physically, using my whole face and ( when so moved) withmy entire body.

I refuse to use my humor to camouflage hostility or prejudice.

I understand that the gift of laughter is a treasured gift, so I will laugh generously at other's attempts to be humorous.

All teasing and ethnic humor will be by mutual consent and will go both ways or I will not engage in such humor.

I will respect the fobidden subject topics of my listeners. I will avoid giving offense with my humor.

If I offend another by my use of humor, I will make amends.

I will be eternally vigilant for the jokes and absurdities of the universe, and I will share my observations with my companions in life.

In the midst of adversity, I will continue to use my humor to cope, to survive, to heal, to grow, and to pass on loving-kindness.

On the day of my death I will look back and know that I laughed lovingly, fully and well.

--Christian Hagaseth III, MD