Using Humor to Cope With Fear and Uncertainty

Let’s talk about why using humor to cope with fear and uncertainty is key.

“We have to be able to figure out how to laugh and cry at the same time.”

-Former New York City Mayor, Rudy Giuliani at a post-9/11 press conference announcing that he would still host Saturday Night Live

In the aftermath of major tragedies or unexpected life events, fear is often the first emotion that takes hold. It doesn’t matter if it’s a national catastrophe, a personal loss, or an economic crisis. Fear can overwhelm our thoughts and influence our behaviors. Yet, amidst this fear, we often find an unlikely ally: humor. It’s no surprise that humor has been recognized as a powerful tool for coping, healing, and rebuilding in times of distress. By learning to laugh through fear, we can regain control, shift our perspective, and ultimately strengthen our resilience. This applies in our personal lives, as well as in the workplace. Managers, executives and employees, read on to see how laughter benefits well-being, decreases stress, and helps us manage fear.

Using Humor to Cope With Fear and Uncertainty: The Power of Humor During Crisis

Humor has always been a cornerstone of human resilience. In the darkest times, laughter has the ability to lift spirits, lighten the heart, and offer a sense of relief. But why does humor hold such power, especially during moments of crisis? The answer lies in how humor impacts our minds and bodies. When we laugh, our bodies release endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals that promote a sense of well-being and reduce stress. Humor also encourages cognitive reframing, helping us to shift our focus from the overwhelming fear of the present to a more balanced, optimistic perspective.

One powerful example of using humor to cope with fear and uncertainty comes from the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani famously said, “We have to be able to figure out how to laugh and cry at the same time,” during a post-9/11 press conference. This quote captures the essence of how humor can coexist with grief and fear, offering a lifeline to navigate the chaos. For those who were affected by the attacks, the ability to find moments of levity was crucial for healing.

The world was forever changed on September 11, 2001. For many, it was not just a day of mourning but a wake-up call that shook the very foundations of society. Fear took over, and the unknown became a looming presence. Yet, even in the face of such fear, people found ways to cope and move forward. One of the most important lessons learned from this period is that laughter is not only a source of comfort but also a tool for survival.

Personal Experience: Confronting Fear and Finding Humor

The story of how humor can help us manage fear is best illustrated through personal experiences. Although it took me years to write about this tragic, historical event, the memories still (and probably always will) stay with me as if it happened yesterday. I’d like to recount my own experience on the morning of 9/11, when I was on a flight from JFK airport to Salt Lake City. I had been scheduled to give a speech to 2,000 people on how to confront negative emotions using humor as a tool. Little did I know that fear would soon become the dominant emotion for an entire nation.

As the plane suddenly took a nosedive and was rerouted for an emergency landing, I felt an intense surge of fear. The captain’s announcement that the plane would land in Omaha, Nebraska, due to an Air Traffic Control alert added to the growing sense of uncertainty. Upon arriving in Omaha, me and my fellow passengers were glued to the TV screens. We were watching the unfolding horror of the World Trade Center attacks. The news was so unbelievable that it felt like a scene from a movie. But it was all too real. We saw the clips over and over. At a certain point I wanted to yell out, “Okay, change the channel!  I want to watch something else!  This is scaring me!” 

Using Humor to Cope With Fear and Uncertainty: Finding Solace

Amidst the shock and fear, I found solace in a simple, lighthearted conversation with my wife, Gina. Even though the situation was dire, they shared a laugh about being “stranded in Omaha” instead of a more glamorous location like Hawaii or Florida. No, me, of course, I’m stuck with “The Children of the Corn!” We laughed and told each other “I love you.” This was a small moment of humor in the midst of a terrifying crisis. But it was a reminder that even in the darkest times, laughter can provide comfort and a sense of normalcy.

As the days passed in Omaha, I continued to grapple with fear. Not just for my own safety, but for the victims of the attacks and the families left behind. The intense emotions of fear and uncertainty were overwhelming, yet I was able to confront these feelings and find meaning in them. Ultimately, it was the shift in perspective—recognizing that fear was a natural response to an extraordinary event—that helped me regain a sense of control.

The Fear Factor: How to Overcome the Grip of Fear

Fear is an unavoidable part of life, particularly when faced with unexpected events. Whether it’s a global tragedy, a personal crisis, or the uncertainty of change, fear can take hold of our minds and hearts. However, the way we respond to fear plays a crucial role in determining how it will impact our lives.

Fear has the power to shape our lives, influencing everything from our decisions to our overall sense of well-being. When a catastrophic event occurs, it often triggers a sense of vulnerability and powerlessness. We may feel that the world is no longer safe, or that we are unable to control the outcome. These feelings of fear can be paralyzing, leading us to make choices that are based on anxiety rather than clarity.

However, there is a way to confront the fear factor: by shifting our perception. Instead of allowing fear to dictate our actions, we can choose to focus on what we can control. We can find ways to reframe the situation. One powerful technique is using humor to break the grip of fear. Humor allows us to laugh at the absurdity of life’s challenges and regain a sense of agency.

Fear has eyes, ears, and a voice. It feeds on our thoughts, beliefs, and words. If we constantly focus on the negative aspects of a situation or voice our fears aloud, we give fear more power. This is why it is essential to be vigilant about our self-talk and the way we process emotions. Instead of allowing fear to dominate, we can choose to laugh at the absurdity of life and shift our focus to more positive thoughts and actions.

The Role of Humor in Rebuilding After Crisis

Humor played a significant role in the national healing process following the events of 9/11. In the weeks after the attacks, comedians and late-night talk show hosts used humor as a tool. They helped people cope with the fear and grief that plagued the nation. While the world was reeling from the shock, humor became a way to process emotions and regain a sense of normalcy.

Late-night hosts like Jay Leno and David Letterman were instrumental in providing moments of levity during a difficult time. They used humor to address the situation head-on, making jokes about Osama bin Laden and the unfolding events. While some may have initially thought that humor was inappropriate, it ultimately provided a necessary release for people who were struggling with fear and uncertainty. Laughter allowed people to momentarily step away from the intense emotions. It helped them find relief, even if it was just for a few minutes.

The humor that emerged in the aftermath of 9/11 was not about making light of the tragedy. It was about helping people process the overwhelming emotions that came with it. Humor allowed the nation to bond, find a sense of solidarity, and regain hope. It was a collective response to fear, reminding people that even in the face of terror, laughter could still prevail.

Adapting to the “New Normal”

In the wake of a catastrophic event, life does not return to the way it was before. Instead, we are forced to adapt to a “new normal,” a reality that has been shaped by the events of the past.

My second day in Omaha, I received a phone call from Power Talk Radio.>  The host, John St. Augustine, invited me to be a telephone guest along with renowned author and spiritual adviser Dr. Wayne Dyer, who at the time was also stranded…in San Diego.  </span>My first thought was, “Oh great.  That figures.  I’m hanging out in the farthest place from any beach in America and he gets San Diego.” 

They wanted Dr. Dyer and I to share our views on how to deal with the fear and chaos our country was experiencing. Dr. Dyer reminded that “there is a spiritual solution to every problem.” The way we respond to fear and uncertainty will determine how we move forward.

9/11 created a “new normal.” The protective bubble that many Americans lived in was shattered. The country was forced to confront new threats and challenges. Terrorism, political change, economic instability, and other global issues have become part of our everyday reality. Yet, despite the fear and uncertainty, the ability to adapt and embrace the new normal is crucial for survival.

Humor plays a central role in this adaptation process. By choosing to laugh in the face of fear, we can build the mental and emotional strength needed to navigate the challenges of the new normal. Those who do adapt are the ones that make conscious choices to shift their focus, their beliefs, and their way of thinking. Humor is one of the most powerful tools we have for making this shift and finding hope in times of crisis.

Using Humor to Cope With Fear and Uncertainty: The Healing Power of Laughter

In the end, the message is clear. Laughter is a powerful force that can help us cope with fear, uncertainty, and adversity. It is a natural pressure valve that helps us release tension, lift our spirits, and regain our sense of control. Whether it’s a personal crisis or a national tragedy, humor can provide the resilience we need to move forward.

As motivational speaker Larry Wilde says, “Laughter not only lifts the spirit; it is a natural pressure valve.” When we’re down in the dumps, we need a boost to help us get through tough times. Smiles, chuckles, and guffaws can provide that boost, offering a moment of relief and helping us regain our balance. Humor is a tool for healing, a way to find hope in the midst of darkness.

In these uncertain times, we must remember the power of humor and laughter. It is one of our greatest gifts, and it is up to us to use it to navigate life’s challenges. The more we embrace our “Humor Being” and allow ourselves to laugh, the better equipped we will be to face whatever the future holds.

Conclusion: Embrace Humor to Conquer Fear

In conclusion, fear is an inevitable part of life, but it doesn’t have to control us. By using humor to cope with fear and uncertainty, we can shift our perspective, reduce anxiety, and navigate life’s most difficult challenges with resilience and hope. Whether it’s through personal anecdotes, collective experiences, or global tragedies, humor has the power to heal, strengthen, and inspire. By laughing through fear, we can find peace, regain our sense of agency, and emerge stronger than before.

So, the next time you find yourself facing uncertainty or fear, remember the words of Rudy Giuliani. “We have to be able to figure out how to laugh and cry at the same time.” Embrace your Humor Being, laugh through the fear, and let the healing begin.

Steve Rizzo is the Mindset Adjuster. A personal development expert, funny motivational keynote speaker, former comedian, and best-selling author, Steve transforms mindsets wherever he goes. A Hall of Fame Speaker Inductee—an honor shared by fewer than 200 speakers worldwide since 1977—he’s dedicated to helping you unlock your happiest self.