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How to Humor Your Stress | Loretta LaRoche | TEDxNewBedford

TEDx Talks

1.7M views 9 years ago

Warm-up Questions

When you feel stressed, what kinds of humor help you most (jokes, funny videos, friends, etc.)?
What do you think it means to “humor your stress”?
Do you think modern life makes people more stressed than the past? Why or why not?

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How to Humor Your Stress | Loretta LaRoche | TEDxNewBedford

From community life to modern stress (00:00 – 07:20)

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1. What does the speaker say was different about the past regarding “stress”?

People went to spin class to handle stress.
People didn’t use the word much or talk about it directly.
People had no serious problems back then.

2. What does the speaker suggest modern people have become instead of “human beings”?

Human helpers
Human thinkers
Human doings

3. According to the speaker, what is one widespread result of stress she mentions?

More people have insomnia and take sleeping medications.
More people travel abroad to relax.
People have stopped watching the news.

How to Humor Your Stress | Loretta LaRoche | TEDxNewBedford

A humorous “survey” and changing your thoughts (07:20 – 13:40)

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1. What does the speaker call telling people you’ll be tired before you even leave the house?

Mindfulness
Self-discipline
Pre-suffering

2. What is her funny suggestion for what to do when you feel stressed and want recognition?

Ask for a standing ovation
Buy more vitamins
Call the news station

3. What term does she use for starting the day expecting disaster, and who developed it?

“Catastrophizing and awfulizing,” developed by Dr. Albert Ellis
“Positive reframing,” developed by Dr. Albert Ellis
“Deep breathing,” developed by Buddhist monks

How to Humor Your Stress | Loretta LaRoche | TEDxNewBedford

Lightening up on purpose: practical comic ideas (13:40 – 20:51)

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1. What does the speaker suggest as a simple daily option to create lightness with others?

Smile often and smile at your fellow human
Only socialize online
Avoid talking to strangers completely

2. What object does she recommend buying to make complaining harder and encourage humor?

A stopwatch
A little red nose
A new phone

3. Near the end, what does she say laughing at yourself shows?

Perfectionism
Humility
Control

How to Humor Your Stress | Loretta LaRoche | TEDxNewBedford

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1. What is one central message of the talk?

Avoiding other people is the best way to stay calm.
Stress can only be solved by medication.
Using humor can reduce stress and improve connection with others.

2. What does the speaker mean by “become the witness to your behavior”?

Let other people tell you what you’re feeling.
Ignore your thoughts completely.
Step back and observe your thoughts and reactions more objectively.

3. Why does the speaker criticize constant sharing about being busy or stressed?

It always makes people laugh.
It is illegal in most workplaces.
It can become a competition and increase stress instead of reducing it.

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

How to Humor Your Stress | Loretta LaRoche | TEDxNewBedford

Which example from the talk felt most true in your life: being “busy,” “pre-suffering,” or “catastrophizing”? Why?
Do you agree that people today have fewer real-life community connections (like neighbors visiting)? What has changed?
What are healthy ways to “lighten up” that don’t ignore real problems?
The speaker says laughing at yourself shows humility. Do you agree? When can self-laughter be helpful—or unhelpful?