One of the most challenging aspects of being a caregiver is battling stress and or depression. There is finally a way to beat the blues without powders and potions! It can be difficult to get started because you will have to be conscious of your moods and react accordingly. What’s the secret?
Force yourself to be jolly!
As I said previously, it can be a bit challenging if you’re feeling blue to make yourself laugh, but I promise, it works! How do you get started? Tell jokes, read amusing books such as Erma Bombeck or Jeff Foxworthy, or treat yourself to a night out at your local comedy club. Laughing is actually medically good for you, so find things to do, read, or say that will cause you to giggle.
Why is it good for you to laugh? According to Charles E. Schaefer, Ph.D., “It releases mood-boosting endorphins as a natural physiological response to the physical act of laughing.” Your body doesn’t recognize a “fake” laugh over a genuine laugh. So, don’t worry if you can’t seem to find humor in books or other activities. Make yourself laugh and look for the lighthearted aspects of life. Once you “force” yourself to laugh, it becomes easier each time to do so. Before you know it, you will be finding ways to lift your spirits.
Here are some other ideas to find laughter. Instead of reading the sports page, try reading the cartoons in the paper. See a funny movie with a friend or with your family. Crowd laughter naturally encourages you to laugh as well. Learn a new joke everyday, or simply challenge yourself to cause one person to smile each day. It will brighten their day and you will feel great about yourself. Better yet—you’ll reap the physical and emotional rewards!
Source:
Caring Today