Are humour and the care industry really incompatible? Many may think that with all the misfortunes that a caregiver encounters on a daily basis, humour is out of place and even inappropriate. But with the right use of humour, situations can be viewed from a different perspective, tensions in everyday work can be reduced and friendships can be built. And humour can also be used sensibly and have a supportive effect in professional care.
Daily Life, Humour, Knowledge, Laughing, NWH2023, The essence of humour, Way of Life
A day without laughter is a day wasted. Charlie Chaplin once said ‘a day without laughter is a day wasted’ and his life and films always encouraged us to laugh. No one can stay without laughing watching his films. Charlie Chaplin was a British comedian, producer, writer, director and composer, widely known in the world. He is considered the greatest comedian on screen and one of the most important figures in film history.
Daily Life, Humour, Laughing, NWH2023, Palliative Care, Palliative Humour, Teaching, Way of Life, Work
As nurses, we often encounter difficult situations that can take a toll on our emotional and physical well-being. One of the most challenging aspects of our job is dealing with death and end-of-life care. It can be heart-wrenching to watch someone we have grown to care for pass away, and it can be equally difficult to console the family members who are grieving. But despite the sadness and heavy emotions that come with death, humor can actually play a vital role in the process. Laughter may seem like an inappropriate response to such a solemn event, but it can actually provide a much-needed release and bring a sense of comfort to those involved.
Experience, Humour, Knowledge, Laughing, NWH2023, One Liners, Teaching
Gary Delaney is another comic who can take the one-liner to the darker side. His gags often appear on Funniest Jokes from the Edinburgh Fringe lists; in fact he’s the only comedian to ever have two jokes in the same top ten. My personal favourite is his 2013 gem: “I can give you the cause of anaphylactic shock in a nutshell.”
Experience, Humour, Knowledge, Laughing, NWH2022, One Liners, Teaching
Some may dismiss the one-liner as an easy gag, but a good one requires real skill. Luckily, there are comedians out there who have mastered the art. “Take my wife… please.” Only four words, but one of the most famous jokes in American comedy. It was written by Henny Youngman who, in the ’30s was considered the King of the One-Liners.
Daily Life, Experience, Humour, Knowledge, Laughing, Laughter Theoretics, Nurse, NWH2021, Teaching, Way of Life
Sometimes it can be hard to laugh at yourself and not take life so seriously. There’s stress, relationship problems, and the demands of family and work that often make it hard to look for levity in life’s situations. Taking yourself less seriously is a sign of comfort and helps you grow as a person. While you can’t always control what happens, you can control how you react. Choosing to not take yourself so seriously is a positive step to help deal with negative situations you can’t always control.
