Laughter and Emotional Wellbeing

Laughter is the universal language of joyful living. When laughing together,

we contribute to our good as individuals and as a collective whole.

 

According to Douglas Smith, American’s leading hospice expert, young children laugh 400 times a day while adults barely pour out 15 chuckles! What an unfortunate contrast. As adults, we need to take some lessons from children. Of course, we should not live our life in a fantasy world as children do when they play, rather we should be enjoy our lives.

In order to develop a sense of humor, we need to take ourselves less seriously. We were born with this tremendous gift. Somewhere along the way it is shelved for all the other responsibilities we face. Laughter is strong medicine for the mind and body, and our health. It helps us to relax our body, relieve tension and stress. When we laugh, we feel cheerful.

When we laugh with another person, a positive connection is established. Consider how we could improve our relationships if we concentrated on laughter with our loved one. If your spouse is having a rough day, bring home a light-hearted, humorous movie along a pizza or his favorite carry-out and enjoy time together. Not only will you have an enjoyable evening together, it will help emotional wellbeing. If your loved one likes to play board games, stop by with a game and homemade meal. While you’re playing the game, talk about enjoyable stories from her past. Then share dinner. What a great way to brighten your mother’s day, and you left feeling upbeat about your visit.

In 1995 Madan Kataria, M.D., started a Laughter Club in New Delhi after researching the benefits of a good “giggle”. He combined several yoga stretches while encouraging people to laugh for “no reason at all”. He has over 1800 individuals in India alone in his club along with 700 clubs throughout the world. He practiced general medicine prior to pursuing the Laughter Club. He explains people do not need doctors to tell them what is good for them because they already know. Laughter cannot solve your problems but it can dissolve them. Try it. You may feel uncomfortable at first because it is ‘so out of your comfort zone’ but it has worked for me. I do it at home or around friends. If my mother is down, I will laugh to cheer her up. It takes a while and normally works.  

As caregivers, we have a higher risk of health and emotional problems because we tend to take care of our loved ones and ignore ourselves. We may feel like our responsibility is first to our loved one, but if we do not take care of ourselves, we will not be able to care for our loved one. We need to learn to how arrange our tasks as a caregiver for our health. It will help us to be a better caregiver.

Ten Tips for Caregivers from the National Family Caregivers Association:     
1.       Choose to take charge of your life, and don’t let your loved one’s condition always take center stage.
2.       Remember to be good to yourself. Love, honor, and value yourself. You’re doing a very hard job and you deserve some quality time, for you.

3.       Watch for signs of depression, and don’t delay in getting professional help when you need it.
4.       When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things they can do.
5.       Educate yourself about your loved one’s conditions.
6.       There’s a difference between caring and doing. Be open to new technologies and ideas that promote your loved one’s independence and help you do your job easier.
7.       Trust your instincts. Most of the time they’ll lead you in the right direction.
8.       Grieve for your losses and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.
9.       Stand up for your rights as a caregiver and as a citizen.
10.   Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in know that you are not alone.

Whether you prefer to attend a local support group or online one, they can be very beneficial for caregivers. However if you are feeling uneasy or skeptical about going to a community one or participating with an online group, try it three times. Then you have given it a fair chance. Also, if you have more than one group in your community, try that one. You may have more in common with the second group. There are multiple online groups. If one doesn’t work, try another that suits your needs.

Benefits of Joining a Caregiver Support Group –

·         A safe haven for sharing feelings in a non-judgmental atmosphere

·         A social outlet where you can make friends

·         Information about products

·         A place to learn coping mechanisms

·         Advice from others

·         Support for emotional wellbeing – letting you know you are not alone with this journey of caregiving

·         Helping in dealing with family issues

·         Caring from others who understand what you are going through

 

To find groups on the Internet search - “Online Caregiver Support Groups”

The following are some online support groups:

·         Caregiver.com magazine

·         CareGiving.com

·         Family Giver Alliance – National Center on Caregiver

 

Exercise is a wonderful way to lift your spirits and increase energy. Start slowly and build up. If you have chronic medical conditions or have not worked out, meet with your doctor for a medical evaluation. Consider joining a fitness center and hiring a trainer for a few sessions to learn a plan tailored for you.

Some fitness centers offer the services of a trainer included with the cost of the monthly fee. Look around your community for fitness centers that offer the best deals.

Guilt drains of us of energy and confidence. It can be an extremely heavy burden to carry. If you are a person who carries guilt, start writing them in a notebook. Then take a marker, and cross each one by one saying “Guilt no longer has power over me.” Continue the pattern until you have given yourself permission to rid yourself of guilt.

As caregivers, our wellbeing is important. When we take care of ourselves and enjoy a good laugh, we are better equipped to care for our loved ones both physically and emotionally.

 

Laughter is the universal language of joyful living. When laughing together,

we contribute to our good as individuals and as a collective whole.

 

Laughter is a great dose of medicine!

 

PEOPLE WHO LAUGH, HELP BRING

JOY AND WELLBEING TO THE WORLD!!!

 

 

 

 

Taking Care of the Caregiver

 

Cecelia Salamone, M.A., LPC

Reach for a Rainbow Caregiving

 

A Prayer for the Caregiver

By Bruce McIntrye

 

Unknown and often unnoticed, you are a hero nonetheless,

For your love, sacrificial, is God at his best,

You walk by faith in the darkness of the great unknown,

And your courage, even in weakness, gives life to your beloved.

 

You are resilient, amazing, and beauty unexcelled,

You are the caregiver and you have done well!

 

Caregivers, you deserve recognition for your tremendous contribution to families and society. You are the silent heroes and heroines. In order to give the best care possible to your loved one, you must take care of your needs. So often, caregivers take a backseat to the wants of the care recipient - this may work for a short term but not for the long run.
Learn to be proactive. Caregiving is a delicate balancing act so you need to continuously be prepared. What are some practical methods?
- Use a 'Sphere of Influence' - You care for your parent, friend, or spouse, from a sphere of influence. The people who influence your loved one may be you, your sister and her husband. You have influence from - your husband, children, the family’s internist and minister. As you continue to care for your loved one, you obtain knowledge and the sphere carries on. Consider all the people who gain and share resources information with you and the individuals in this group. Consider using your 'sphere of influence' and then passing it along.
- Want to relieve tension? Sit in a rocking chair and rock away your troubles. Long standing tradition for people to rock babies in their arms to console them. My grandmother spent countless afternoons relaxing in her rocking chair.
- Exercise lifts your spirits and energy. Start off slow and increase gradually moving to an amount of time that is comfortable. However, consider meeting with your doctor for an evaluation prior to starting an exercise routine. Also if you are new to exercising, consider hiring an exercise coach to develop a plan. 
- Open up the blinds in the morning and switch on lights. Light helps us feel more alert than dark.
- Eat healthy breakfasts high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid fat-free because some people crave more food after eating fat-free rather than choosing low-fat. Stay away from fast food. If you do go, check calorie content prior to ordering.
 
- Comfort foods may taste good - they decrease stamina.
- Respite is not a gift. Learn to ask others for help. If you do not have anyone, develop a plan. Even if you find someone for two hours every other week, it’s a start.
- Stay connected by calling friends and family on a consistent basis.  
- Other caregivers understand. They have similar experiences. Join a support group - whether it is one in your community, online or both.
- If you start feeling depressed, seek out professional help. 
- Some places of worship have programs and also people you can talk with. With many, you do not need to be a member to participate.
- Maintain physical health with medical and dental appointments. Take medications and supplements as recommended by your health care provided.
- Contact Area Agency on Aging - learn about services in your community. Look for local resources for caregivers.
- Consider Adult Day Care Centers and In-Home Caregivers.  
- Take warm baths. Or go in a room, close the door and read or listen to music for 20-30 minutes each day or several times a week.
- Find something that brings you peace- mediation, spirituality, faith, yoga.
- Tears are cleansing. Give yourself permission.
- Appreciate your efforts and do not hold on to guilt.
- Maintain a sense of humor.  
My intentions are good but unfortunately I do not do all of these things. Some areas I prefer over others. Caregiving is becomes stressful and has challenges. It is a constant check and balance procedure. Normally, I understand why I am not working on an area and the underlying reason. Being aware and not giving up is essential when caring for you.  

Caregivers - Each day do something especially for you. "Reach for Your Special Rainbow" - whatever that gift may be and cherish it.  

   

glindaofoz@comcast.net

www.reachforarainbow.com

 

Designated Caregiver – Resource Manual

For The Caregiver “On Call 24/7”

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