In this episode of the Vetted Podcast, Steven Hermann interviews Karyn Buxman, a neurohumorist and expert in applied humor. They discuss the importance of humor in healthcare, particularly in the veterinary field, and how it can be used as a strategic tool to reduce stress, improve communication, and build resilience. Karyn shares insights from her research on the brain's response to humor and offers practical applications for incorporating humor into daily life. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care and the power of thoughts in shaping our experiences.
Takeaways
Humor is a whole brain process that can influence health.
The gap between expectations and reality can lead to stress.
Humor can help wring out emotional saturation.
Practicing humor can improve resilience and empathy.
Creating a humor-friendly environment enhances well-being.
Humor is not just about laughter; it's about connection.
We often underestimate the power of our thoughts.
Intentionality in humor can lead to positive outcomes.
Stacking the deck with humor increases its presence in life.
Self-care is essential for helping others effectively.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Humor and the Brain
02:56 Understanding Neurohumor
05:54 The Power of Humor in Healthcare
08:40 Compassion Fatigue and Resilience
11:54 Closing the Gap: Expectations vs. Reality
14:45 Tools for Managing Stress with Humor
17:40 The Importance of Reframing
20:44 Building Relationships through Humor
23:47 Using Humor in Difficult Situations
26:28 The Healing Power of Humor
28:46 Stacking the Deck for Joy
32:19 Neuroplasticity and Humor's Impact
34:25 Building Connections Through Laughter
39:19 Practical Steps to Cultivate Humor
44:24 Empowerment Through Positive Thinking
humor, neurohumor, resilience, veterinary, well-being, stress reduction, communication, compassion fatigue, mental health, humor in healthcare