Laugh, Because What Else Are You Going To Do?

Is humor the answer to corona? 

The spread of coronavirus is concerning. I think that it is just downright scary. Schools have shut down as well as offices, sports leagues, and national borders. In my lifetime, I can't recall any disease that caused the world to stop, quite like this one has. But even at such a serious time, countries and their citizens are using quirky,  laughable videos that have gone viral to educate the public and decrease tension levels. 

As daily routines are put on pause by the spread of the virus, individuals have taken the time to create memes and videos.

Is the dark humor too much or is it exactly what the world needs to survive this difficult time?

COVID-19, the official name for the disease caused by the virus, has already infected 179,829 people (and counting) worldwide which has stirred global panic. Yesterday, my neighbor came home from the grocery store and when she opened the trunk of her car it was filled with rolls and rolls of toilet paper. The shelves of local stores are being cleared in order to “stock up in case of emergency". Stockpiling hand sanitizer, toilet paper, soap, paper towels, canned goods and everything in between so that they are prepared. FOR. THE. APOCALYPSE.

To inform people governments and others are getting - well let’s just say creative. After all, who says you can’t spread laughter while trying to solve a pandemic?

WIth “social distancing” social media is becoming even more prevalent. I have seen countless videos including skits, POVs, reactions, and more. Is this when we need humor most? 

It seems that during these next few challenging months, comedy will help everyone to stay strong and keep a positive attitude. As the disease continues to spread across the world so do the memes. And they may be more important than anything Donald Trump has to say about the issue - but what isn't?

I know that when I am stressed, whether it is about a math test, important soccer game or a history project hanging out with my friends relieves my anxiety and I usually end up forgetting about what I have to do! Why is this? Because my friends are funny. That’s all there is to it. The laughs, jokes, the idiotic things that we do. So why is there confusion when people react the same way to a global issue.

During these times of uncertainty, coronavirus themed videos provide relief. 

I strongly believe in the power of humor and how it can help us recover. It has even been proven that the more stressed you are the easier it is for you contract the virus. Better off to stay calm, have a sense of humor, and guard your toilet paper with your life!

Working from home is gaining momentum worldwide, which has left people with more personal time with their devices and has led them to express their feelings in clever, witty ways. 

Humor can relieve stress. It’s a fact. You may not like the idea of poking fun during the attack of COVID-19, but while stuck in isolation, it may be the best thing to do. Millions of people have flooded social media with hilarious GIFS, memes, and videos which may be helping to lessen the panic caused by the pandemic. 

Tom Hanks is going to be perfectly fine, even with the coronavirus. Why is that? Because, as a twitter user commented, “He has already survived a World War, being stranded on an island, being stranded at an airport, a failed moon landing, an emergency flight landing on the river and a ship hijacking," as seen in his many iconic movies. 

“This is your pilot speaking, I am working from home today.” another twitter post read. Did you laugh? Cause I sure did as I sat on my bed on a Monday at noon still in my pajamas because I don’t have school for two weeks.

Instead of freaking out about contracting the virus or a loved one falling ill, which is for the most part uncontrollable, we need to relax because the strain on your body from the stress can cause a weakened immune system which will make you more susceptible to the virus. And for a virus that is already going to infect eighty percent of the population, who would want to make themselves even more vulnerable?

From Tik Tok to Facebook to Twitter people are sharing videos with their dogs, cats, hamsters, bunnies, mice, fish, and even snakes as they try to work from home with them around. I don’t think that is even possible! A barking puppy knelt by my side with his enormous warm brown eyes looking deep into my soul. How am I supposed to focus then? 

"Important questions to ask your pet if you're working from home: Are you at work? Are we working together? Did you forget to wear your pants? Are we coworkers? Are you the employee of the month? Are you my supervisor? Who hired you?" posted one user on TikTok.”

Just like everything else we buy off the internet, “Coronavirus won't last long because" like everything else "it was made in China," (one meme read). 

The “haters” may be calling the people posting amusing stuff online inconsiderate but really those taking a cheerful perspective on life are the ones with less built up tension as time goes on. And we all know they will live longer! 

It's crazy how quickly this disease caused global hysteria, but stressing, freaking out, or throwing a fit isn’t going to change anything.

So I say laugh, because what else are you going to do?