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The Benefits of Making Fun of Yourself


The Power of Laughing at Yourself


Humor is key to well-being, reducing stress, improving memory, and fostering connections. While finding humor in life's moments is easy, laughing at yourself can be challenging yet beneficial.


Benefits of Self-Deprecating Humor


Self-Esteem: Laughing at your flaws can boost self-esteem. While self-deprecating humor is often linked to low self-esteem, research shows it can promote happiness and confidence when used appropriately.


Social Connections: People are drawn to those who can laugh at themselves, seeing them as more relatable and likable. This can strengthen relationships and ease social interactions. Interestingly, men and women use humor differently, with women more often poking fun at themselves, which is seen as an attractive trait.


Stress Relief: Laughter reduces stress hormones, relaxes the body, and improves immune function. Viewing mistakes humorously can transform stress into eustress, helping you feel empowered.


Self-Awareness: Recognizing and laughing at your flaws fosters self-awareness and self-compassion, aiding personal growth and better understanding of your behavior and goals.

Self-Expression: Self-deprecating humor allows you to express your personality and show confidence in your abilities, making you more relatable and modest.


Therapeutic Benefits: Humor can help manage difficult emotions and stress, offering a positive outlook on life's challenges.


Tips for Healthy Self-Deprecation


  • Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously: Learn to laugh at your own expense.

  • Be Self-Deprecating in Moderation: It helps others feel at ease but should not dominate your self-talk.

  • Find Humor in Mistakes: Viewing mishaps humorously makes them easier to handle.

  • Balance is Key: Avoid overdoing self-deprecating humor to prevent it from turning into negative self-talk.


Potential Pitfalls


Avoid crossing the line into negative self-talk or excessive self-criticism. Use self-deprecating humor wisely to maintain its benefits without undermining your self-esteem. Be mindful of how often you use this humor and ensure it doesn't make others uncomfortable or avoid addressing serious issues.


By laughing at yourself, you can enhance mental health, manage stress, and navigate life's ups and downs more positively.




Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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