Feeling bogged down?

It’s all about attitude.

Start with a new pair of humour lenses. The ones that let you see more clearly, moving your day forward. Perspective really is all. A little smile or a hearty chuckle improves your mood and relaxes your body. Over time it could improve your health if it cuts through daily stress. Besides, it’s just more fun that way. Who doesn’t love to share a smile of understanding, laugh until their sides ache, or giggle over life’s little quirks?

When you get up in the morning, it may be grey outside, raining or snowing. You may have run out of coffee, forgotten to get milk. You may have overslept. Someone in your family may need attention right now. However your day starts at home or work there are key items that you need.

Carry your humour umbrella. You know, the one that deflects harsh criticism and shields you from the force of unkind remarks or gossip. If those remarks are not allowed to soak in, you are way ahead. Instead of being furious or crushed, or lashing back, take a deep breath and smile. If nothing else that will confuse your detractors and give you recovery time. Then you might even see the funny side, or be up to calmly approaching those involved to see what’s behind this deluge.

Wear your humour hat too, the quirky one that easily says who you are and helps you fit into many groups. We all know someone who smiles rather than frowns when meeting difficult situations or sour people. Watch carefully when you see someone who seems to be in charge of his or her life, poised for whatever is next. Often he or she is quick to smile, has an open expression, always finds time to share a story, or talk for a moment. You can bet he or she has a humour prop or two in his or her bag too.

And wear your humour boots, good for jumping quickly over life’s barriers. We all encounter comments like, “Well you can’t do that.” “That’s really not going to work.” “Slow down.” “Stop.” “I’m sorry; we are full.” “We’re putting you on hold now.” Sometimes you really will be wading, but a calm attitude that packs a smile can carry you successfully to the other side.

And don’t forget a humour scarf, the one that wraps up a situation in a totally new way.

Years ago one of my sons recorded a spoof as our phone message. In a very serious tone he welcomed the caller and asked him to leave a detailed message including everything from shoe size to voting preference. Of course he did not get to keep the message, but sometimes satire is good for all of us. It can wake us up when we are taking ourselves too seriously, refusing to see the bright side.

My older son recently confided that when he is having a particularly challenging day he uses an undercurrent technique. He communicates, completes tasks, does whatever the day requires, but off and on he posts a few funny postscripts to himself that never surface. Silent asides on what was said, what was not said, what could have been said!

Tuck a few free humour passes in your wallet too. Often a quick smile, or funny observation, can break through tension or erase awkwardness. If you can remain calm and upbeat you have a chance of settling disputes, reversing downhill trends. Snapping out a snide comment or taking a rigid position seldom trumps a little shared laughter.

Finally, keep a humour bank for the end of the day.

After a tedious day at home, or a trying day at work, uncork some humour. Tap your favourites. Talk to that friend who always sees the funny side and helps you see it too. Watch a funny movie, read your favourite authors. Avoid demeaning humour; it just leaves an aftertaste that’s really not funny at all.

Humour to the rescue! Of course every situation in life can not be made to be funny, or be overcome with laughter. But it can lighten the load. A moment of humour shared with your children, your husband, a friend, or office pal, can mean a lot when you need it most!

Sandy Schroeder for Third Age.