We Prescribe Laughter For Managing Caregiver Stress

 

  With the stress that a caregiver is under, occasions to laugh can be few and far between. Yet, laughter is necessary to ease caregiver stress. Chuckling, giggling, or guffawing fosters physical and emotional wellbeing. Home Care Lakewood has some useful tips for you;

Recognizing Caregiver Stress

Anxiety, chronic fatigue, and negative changes in sleep patterns result from caregiver stress. The demands of providing care sometimes lead to self-medicating with drugs and alcohol.

• Aches and pains that have no physical cause
• Becoming aggravated easily
• Unintentional weight loss or gain
• Loss of interest in favored activities

The stresses of caregiving can manifest as unrelenting sadness.

Laughing is Good Exercise

The study of laughter is called Gelotology. Both exercise and laughter help to manage caregiver stress. Laughing and working out offer the same physical benefits. Scientific research suggests that 100 good laughs have the equivalent effect as 15 minutes on a stationary bike.

The Physical Benefits of Laughter

Like aerobic exercise, laughing causes the blood vessels to expand, improving circulation. Yucking-it-up slows the heart rate, which in turn lowers blood pressure. The body relies on T-Cells to guard against viral infections and tumors. Laughter promotes the growth of T-Cells and other anti-bodies. Reacting to humor releases endorphins that are the body's natural pain killer.

The Emotional Benefits of Laughter

In addition to decreasing physical pain, the endorphins released by a hearty guffaw elevate the mood. Laughter dispels anger. When we find humor in a situation, reduced cortisol production brings down stress levels. Laughter improves your emotional outlook and gives your energy levels a boost.

Surround Yourself with Humor

For regular exposure to them, display posters, cartoons, and photos that you find amusing. Find DVDs of movies, TV programs, or stand-up routines that always break you up. Arrange to spend time with a friend or friends who always leave you laughing. Try to find the humor in a situation. Read a joke book or visit a website devoted to the comedic.

Self-Induced Laughter

Whether it is genuine or feigned, the benefits of a good laugh are the same. Imagine yourself conducting a band or orchestra. Mimic the sound of laughter, i.e., "ha, ha, ha" while your arms guide the pretend musicians.

Apply pressure to your forehead, pretending it causes you to laugh, and then mimic the sounds of laughter. Raise your arms to shoulder level, look up and give out a belly laugh. Using a mirror, mimic the body language and facial expressions that accompany the question, "What's so funny?" Put on a fake smile and start giggling, building-up to a laugh that becomes increasingly rapid.

Practice Laughter Yoga

The above exercises and others are a part of Laughter Yoga. Laughter clubs are an offshoot of Laughter Yoga. If you feel the strain of being a caregiver joining a laughter club in your area could prove beneficial. Lakewood Home Care emphasizes the importance of Laughter Yoga for a better stress management.