Bored Panda contacted Ariane Ling, a clinical instructor in the the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health, who told us about the toll the current crisis has on our emotional state. It turns out that harnessing a sense of humor during this time is one of the most effective strategies to cope with unpleasant feelings.

Ling explained that there are both short-term and long-term benefits of cracking a joke now and then amid the crisis. “It helps to manage and tolerate stress in the moment while also maintaining perspective and resilience moving forward.” Humor is one creative way of coping rather than avoiding and going into denial about things.

Understandably, many of us feel anxious and keeping that sense of humor up is one of the very few resources we have right now. “Patients have shared how things that would normally help with stress are no longer available, including meeting up with friends for brunch, playing sports with their local league, going to the gym, etc,” said Ling. As a result, some “of my patients have described [the situation] as surreal or floating without an anchor.”

According to Ling, psychological wellbeing can also go in a positive direction where it is possible to keep spirits high when faced with large-scale tragedy. She explained: “Despite physical distancing, it's evident that people have been taking advantage of technology to stay social and connected. I’ve learned from my patients that holding on to gratitude is also critical in bolstering resilience.” It all comes down to being thankful for small things and enjoying the moment.

The clinical instructor also told us that in their NYU Langone Health clinic, “we started a 'good vibes' email chain where we share uplifting stories and clever memes.” So next time you’re thinking of sharing that meme with your friends and relatives, just press send—it may be all they need now.