This wasn’t the blog I was going to email you all today but life has an impeccable sense of timing. Just when everything seems to be going smoothly, it delivers a plot twist to keep you humble.
For my friend Les, our Creative Director and the visual emotional heartbeat of Humourology, that twist came in the form of an unplanned dismount from his bike which left him with a badly dislocated shoulder and a fractured wrist. It is not ideal for anyone, but particularly inconvenient when you are the person who brings so much of the Humourology world to life.
His partner Emma told me what had happened and mentioned that they were
“Channelling our inner Humourologists”
as they navigated the aftermath. That line made me smile. In that moment, bruised, aching and adjusting to a sling, they found themselves leaning instinctively on humour. Not to ignore the pain, but to soften its edges.
In case any of you are wondering, Les’ bike is ok.
It reminded me of Robin Williams in the role of Patch Adams, the doctor who knew that laughter is not a distraction from pain but a companion to healing. Humour is not frivolous; it is functional. It gives the mind something to hold on to while the body catches up.
The science backs this up. Research consistently shows that humour reduces pain sensitivity, releases endorphins and interrupts the stress response. A review of studies on pain and laughter found that humour creates psychological distance which helps people cope more effectively. Even the British Heart Foundation highlights joy as a meaningful contributor to long-term health.
This is not just poetic licence. There is research behind it. Studies show that laughter increases endorphins, reduces stress hormones and even raises pain tolerance. One review concluded that humour and laughter can measurably reduce both perceived pain and anxiety during medical treatment. You can read it Here.
In other words, the science supports what the soul already knows.
None of this is surprising to those of us who have seen at close quarters what a shift in perspective can do.
Over recent months, three friends have received cancer diagnoses. One, a brilliantly sharp comedian, has recently been given the all-clear. Throughout their treatment, all three used humour as a lifeline. Not in a forced, “make a joke every five minutes” way, but in small moments that reminded them that they were still themselves. Humour did not cure their illness. It strengthened their spirit.
That aligns beautifully with something said on The Humourology Podcast by Dr Phil Hammond the NHS doctor, broadcaster and comedian whose wisdom cuts straight to the heart of it:
“Most unpleasant things you feel in your mind, so fill your mind with something joyful and it can push the pain aside.”
That is Humourology in its purest form. Pain may be present, but humour gives the mind a temporary sanctuary, a place where perspective can shift just enough to help you move forward.
Humour connects us, steadies us and reminds us that resilience is not about pretending everything is fine. It is about finding the part of yourself that can still see light and allowing that light to lead the way.
The same principle applies in business. Leaders often underestimate the power of levity at work. A team under pressure will tighten, stiffen and contract, which is precisely the opposite of what is needed for creativity, problem-solving and psychological safety. A well-timed moment of humour opens the room. It creates space. It gives people the breath they need to keep going.
Whether you are mending a wrist, easing team tension or simply dealing with life’s latest plot twist,
Three Humourology Truths:
- Humour creates movement.
Pain, stress and fear make us rigid. Laughter loosens the system so that we can think clearly again. - Joy changes the frame.
As Dr Phil Hammond says, fill your mind with something joyful and discomfort shifts to the side. It is not denial; it is strategy. - A light mind strengthens the body.
Resilience is not stoicism. It is elasticity. Humour helps you spring back more quickly and more strongly.
Les will heal.
Emma will keep him smiling…
And life, inevitably, will continue to test our balance from time to time.
As every good Humourologist knows, it is not the fall that defines you; it is the laughter that helps you stand up again.
See you next Tuesday.
Warmest,
Paul x
