Many times in the course of one's employment there are things that don't go your way or criticisms to be had. No one actually likes to give someone a bad review or to turn work back to be done again. But you can lighten their load when you're in the hot seat. A little humor goes a long way and shows you can take criticism and move on.
When someone has a friend in the hospital or who has just gotten bad news from their doctor, it's good to have a friend with whom to talk it through. But after you have had a good conversation and feel like a friend can begin to handle what's in front of them, a little levity can lighten the mood and give everyone a needed break.
Laughter beats stress every time. So when you feel pushed to the wall and ready to break, put in a favorite comedy DVD and laugh as hard as you can. Or visit with a friend who always lightens the mood. Laughter can physically give your body a release from stress. Forgetting your troubles for a hour or so will unclench your jaw and possibly relieve tension headaches.
Being afraid can wear a person down and make even the smallest thing seem impossible. But when things are really troublesome or everyone's genuinely scared, breaking the tension with a joke can do wonders. It doesn't change the circumstances but it certainly helps put a little perspective on things.
Robin Williams, Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg started a charity where comics perform for free and viewers can pledge money. The beneficiaries of the funds can change and new comedians are introduced into the mix, but there's no doubt humor gives back to society in this example.