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!!!