Skyros Blog
How, When & Why to Bring More Comedy into Your Life
– and when to put the joke down
In a world that feels increasingly serious, unpredictable, and “always on,” it’s easy to lose touch with the part of ourselves that laughs. But bringing more comedy into your life isn’t about ignoring what’s going on, it’s about coping, connecting, and coming up for air.
From the healing rituals of Ancient Greece to the rise of comedy therapy and improv for mental wellbeing, laughter has always held deeper value. So how, when and just as importantly, when not, should we use it?
Why Comedy Matters
1. It helps us cope.
Laughter softens the hard edges of life. It won’t change the facts, but it can change how we feel about them, giving us room to breathe, reset, and feel more in control.
2. It changes perspective.
A well-timed joke can turn frustration into irony. In moments of tension, humour shifts our thinking, inviting in curiosity, empathy, or even courage.
3. It connects us.
Laughter is one of the quickest ways to build trust. Whether it’s a shared giggle or a moment of absurdity, it reminds us that we’re in this together.
4. It supports mental wellbeing.
Research shows that comedy and improvisation reduce stress, increase resilience, and boost emotional regulation. It’s even been linked to improved pain tolerance and immune response.
When to Use Comedy
During stress or overwhelm
When your brain is overloaded and your emotions are tight, a light moment can act as a reset, a shift from survival mode back into the present.
In everyday moments
Comedy doesn’t need a stage. You can find lightness on your commute, while cooking, or through a podcast in the bath. These small acts of levity matter.
In safe spaces with others
Used with care, humour can build bridges. In relationships, friendships, and even group workshops, laughter disarms the inner critic and invites play.
When Not to Use Comedy
Humour is powerful, but it’s not always appropriate. Part of using comedy well is knowing when not to.
1. When someone is vulnerable
If a friend is sharing something painful, resist the urge to crack a joke. They don’t need cheering up, they need to feel heard.
2. When it’s a mask
Using humour to avoid difficult emotions can delay healing. If you notice yourself always joking, check whether you're deflecting something deeper.
3. When the joke’s on someone else
Humour should punch up, not down. Comedy that relies on stereotypes or personal pain isn’t funny, it’s a barrier to real connection.
4. When the room doesn’t feel safe yet
In workshops, meetings or new groups, build warmth and trust before jumping into jokes. Comedy thrives on safety, not shock.
How to Bring More Comedy Into Your Life
Make it part of your media diet
Podcasts, stand-up specials, comedy books, find voices that genuinely make you laugh and bring them into your daily rhythm.
Try an improv or comedy workshop
Even if you don’t think you’re “funny,” these courses build confidence, listening skills, and presence. At Skyros, our comedy facilitators create spaces that feel safe, inclusive, and joyful. You can find some of our great ones here
Share laughter with others
Watch a funny film with a friend. Send a meme. Be the person who notices the ridiculous moment and points it out — kindly.
Keep humour visible
Stick a silly postcard on your mirror. Save your favourite quote. Even tiny visual cues can prompt you to smile or reframe your day.
What We’ve Learned at Skyros
Over decades of running comedy and improvisation retreats in Greece, we’ve seen how humour transforms people. It helps them loosen up, show up more honestly, and laugh at the things they once tried to hide. Help people step into the real them.
Laughter won’t fix everything. But it can hold us steady while we keep going.
And sometimes, it’s the start of something more.
Interested in exploring this for yourself?
Take a look at our summer 2025 comedy and improv courses, including:
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Comedy & Creativity with Logan Murray
Skyros Centre & Atsitsa Bay, 30 Aug–12 Sep 2025
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Improvisation for Creativity with Liam Brennan
Atsitsa Bay, 26 Jul–8 Aug 2025
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The Power of Play with Monica Gaga
Atsitsa Bay, 13–20 Sep 2025
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Improv & Play with Liz Peters
Atsitsa Bay, 9–30 Aug 2025
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