Have you ever caught yourself getting ready to bubble over with irrepressible laughter, at the most awkward moment in time – in a packed elevator, a silent waiting room, or a religious service? Although there are, obviously, times when we will need to control the silliness, writer Jane Heller says that, “Humor can keep us balanced, even in the grimmest of times. It reminds us that despite illness and disability, there are moments of real joy in life and we need to embrace them.”
The many benefits of laughter are extraordinary, including:
Releasing endorphins that decrease stress
Strengthening brain connectivity
Providing a social boost
Relieving pain
Enhancing the immune system
Improving mood
Safeguarding the heart from coronary disease
Stimulating blood circulation and muscle relaxation, each of which decrease stress
And many more
Despite the fact that there is absolutely nothing funny about receiving a difficult medical diagnosis for a family member, there are ways to keep an inherent feeling of positivity that might produce more possibilities for laughter:
Be intentional about adding snippets of humor throughout your home/office; for example, a favorite comic strip, meme, funny photos, etc.
Check into a laughter yoga class – yes, there truly is such a thing!
Adjust your reading material and TV viewing to add more lightheartedness. Include joke books – or explore the internet for new jokes to be included in your arsenal.
Enjoy time with loved ones and close friends who raise your spirits. Remember prior memories together that make you laugh, and make new ones!
Discover ways to laugh at yourself, modifying your internal dialogue from reprimands for mistakes to the comfort in realizing we’re all human.
Surprisingly, even though you don’t feel like laughing, positive aspects can still be achieved through faking or forcing laughter, according to certified health coach Nancy Kalish.
Independence-4-Seniors Home Care’s team helps bring happiness and laughter to seniors and respite for their families each day. Our friendly senior companions spend quality time with senior loved ones, participating in conversations, games, puzzles, exercise, fun outings, and naturally, a great deal of laughter. And with our full range of in-home care services in Downers Grove and the surrounding areas, which include meal prep, housework, and tending to personal care needs, family care providers, together with the older adults they love, are able to spend more time simply taking pleasure in each other’s company. Let us help brighten your world! Contact us online or at (630) 323-4665 any time to learn more and to arrange for an in-home consultation.