Keep Your Sense Of Humour

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter.
Job 8:21

One of the best ways to reduce stress, is to keep your sense of humour. Don't panic, don't over react, and don't use unnecessary force. If you do people will avoid you. Happy people get more done than their oh-so-serious counterparts. Actually, being joyful can make you laugh all the way to the bank. Would you rather buy a car from a stressed-out, verbally abusive salesman, or someone whose company you enjoy? Would you rather work around someone who's congenial, or someone moaning and groaning about what ought to be done?
"A cheerful heart is good medicine" (Proverbs 17:22 ).

However, keep in mind two things when it comes to humour:
(1) Make sure your humour is at no one else's expense. Avoid jokes about things others might be sensitive about. Weight, bad hair dos and cheating husbands might make some people laugh, but to others it's not funny. No one likes to be the butt of the joke. Be careful with teasing someone else. Make sure that their personality can handle your humour. It's always wise to let the joke be on you; you know you're not going to offend yourself!
(2) Remember that timing is everything. "There is a time for everything… a time to weep and a time to laugh" (Ecc 3:1, 4 ).

If people don't believe you truly care about them, your humour will produce only a shallow and strained response. Every relationship, every path you cross, every conversation you have can ultimately be used by God to further His purposes. Whether at work, at home or at play, always keep these things in mind.