Humor at Work Survival Strategies

DCFS WorkshopMary Kay Morrison

http://www.questforhumor.com/

Stress and Your Brain

There is mounting scientific evidence that suggests that too much stress has an negative impact.

QUICK STRESS TESTYou should see 2 dolphins . These dolphins appear similar

when viewed by the average person. BUT--If you notice major differences, you probably need to get

an mental health evaluation.

Shut your eyes –take a deep breath ….

Choosing………

Mouse Droppings

Research Causes Cancer in Mice

Physical symptoms

Emotional symptoms

Excess Stress Shrinks the hippocampus (Sapolsky research)

Severe Chronic Stress Kills……

The Impact of Severe Stress

Denial is Common!

Peaceful Brain Anxious, worried , depressed

Thanks to Dr. Earl Henslin, “Your Brain on Joy” for permission to print these!

Anxiety, depression and stress can be seen in brain scans.

Coping Theory

① Problem Focused Coping- You have control

② Emotion Focused Coping- You have no control

Cognitive Effective Shift-restructure the way we think…….

Paul McGhee; Humor the Lighter Path to Resilience and Health

Changing how we think!

Wired for JoyLaurel Mellin

WHEN stuck in stress; we often make bad choices.

☺ ingest☺ inject☺ purchase

We create joy by choice not by chance.

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10. Plants memories9. Grows coping skills8. Cultivates Energy 7. Captures attention6. Neutralizes stress5. Top Characteristic valued in a worker4. Enhances creativity3. Facilitates communication2. Supports the change process1. Free and Fun!

Handout # 1

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Humorphobia: The Fear of Fun, Laughter and Humor

Fear of Punishment

Fear of Loss of Control

Fear of Inadequacy

Fear of Being Made Fun of

Fear of Looking Silly

Fear of Loss of Work

Time

Humorphobia

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Humordoomers; people who use negative humor to control and manipulate others

Humorphobia breeds humordoomers, skilled crafters who use subtle techniques to suppress humor in the workplace.

Humordoomers are usually unhappy individuals

stressed by the duel demands of accountability and limited time constraints.

The humordoomer is a pessimistic leach, who can suck the humergy right out of you.

Grown in a petrie dish of fear and anger, they are threatened by joyful energy and enthusiasm.

HOLDING ONTO ANGER IS

LIKE DRINKING POISONAND

EXPECTING THE OTHER PERSON TO DIE!

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Inappropriate Humor

When the impact is hurtful, the humor is usually inappropriate,

even if the intent is not so.

.

Intent Impact