The Importance of Humor for Personal Development

Donna Nichols • April 13, 2021

The Importance of Humor for Personal Development

Mark Twain said that “Humor is the great thing, the saving thing after all. The minute it crops up, all our hardnesses yield, all our irritations, and resentments flit away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.”

What a great statement! Laughter is the best medicine after all!

Importance of Humor for self development

 Having a sense of humor is beneficial in so many ways. Did you know that a sense of humor can improve your overall health? Yes, that’s right! Not all humor is good, when you use humor to degrade others or yourself this can have a negative impact on you and your well-being.

Let’s face it, life is difficult and just plain unfair at times, but having a sense of humor about things life deals you can help ease the pain.

As Payne Stewart said, “If you can’t laugh at yourself, then how can you laugh at anybody else? I think people see the human side of you when you do that”.

Having a good sense of humor helps your emotional and physical well-being, laughter helps the body relax by releasing endorphins, which are your body’s natural pain relievers.

Laughter also increases your brain activity , boosts your immune system, and helps you fight illnesses.

A good sense of humor at work is important for your personal development as well. If you are able to laugh off the stress at work, you can approach co-workers and your boss easier, and hopefully your more relaxed attitude will rub off on them and they will feel more comfortable and relaxed as well.

So, how do you develop a sense of humor when everything seems so bleak?

Here are three things you must do to stop taking things so seriously and laugh more:

→ Stop taking yourself so seriously.
→ Have the frame of mind to see people, events, and actions as faulty and subject to being laughed at.
→ Have an appreciation for when the expected order of things is disrupted.

By starting with the above items, you will learn to accept the glitches in yourself and others in order to make them better.

Things in life go wrong, you make plans and they don’t go as planned. What do you do about it? Do you get upset? Cry? Get mad? Yell and scream? Why?

Did any of those things change the outcome?

No, they just made you feel worse.

Laughing about it and trying to make the best of it will not only make you feel better but will also perhaps make it a more enjoyable time than you would have had with the original plan. Who knows?

Here’s another reason to have a sense of humor.

A sense of humor is a sign of intelligence!!

Yes, it’s true!! People who are able to make jokes about things that happen in life and are able to laugh things off are shown to have a broader knowledge in more areas.

Now, let’s recap what a sense of humor can do for you and your personal development and health.

It helps your body relax by releasing pain-relieving endorphins, increases brain activity, boosts your immune system, and helps you fight colds, flu, and other illnesses.

A good sense of humor at work can relieve the work-day stress and help you get along better with coworkers and your boss. And a good sense of humor shows you are smart!

That, in itself, is the best reason to show off your sense of humor.

When you stop taking things so seriously, you have the key to personal development and growth and this is so important! A good sense of humor will help you stop taking things so seriously, develop or find yours today!!

If you need help or encouragement as a Caregiver give us a call at  386-847-2322  or check out our  Caregiver Support Group. Our  Senior Advisors  are here to walk with you through this journey.

The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

By Donna Nichols • September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

By Donna Nichols • September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they also have the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to: • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

By Donna Nichols • August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.