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It's Okay to Smile and Laugh!

August 9, 2018 by Lindley Curtis
Categories:
  • Self Care
  • Stress
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When we’re in the weeds of caregiving, sometimes the last thing we feel like doing is laughing. I don’t know about you, but when I feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and anxious, I can have trouble finding humor in anything.

During challenging times, sometimes we have to be intentional about looking for and finding funny things to smile and laugh about.

We’ve all heard the phrase “Laughter is the best medicine,” and evidence suggests that laughter really does have positive short-term and long-term effects on our health. To learn more about the basics, check out this article from the Mayo Clinic.

My young kids are at the silly stage of telling and making up their own knock-knock jokes. Here’s one of their current favorites: Knock knock! Who’s there? José. José who? José can you see by the dawn’s early light!

Maybe knock-knock jokes aren’t your thing but something else makes you chuckle. A favorite TV sitcom? Funny podcasts? Videos of silly dogs and cats? A witty quote? A favorite comedian?

Consider keeping these on speed dial, so to speak, when you need a smile.

What if you put some funny photos on your bathroom mirror, in your car, and around your house? What if you keep a favorite YouTube video bookmarked on your computer? What if you sign up for weekly funny blogs to be emailed to you?

You’ll find some great free printables of clever one-liners on the Family House webpage!

I keep a copy of a funny newspaper article near my desk at work. I have a favorite witty radio show that I like to listen to every weekend. I love following particular people on Twitter, and I’ll pop on Twitter just to see what they’ve posted that day.

It’s okay to smile and laugh, even when we’re facing tough situations, even when our loved ones are struggling, and even when we’re grieving. We can give ourselves permission to be happy. In fact, not only is it okay, but laughing just may be one of the very important habits that helps us survive and thrive.

What are some of the things you do to lighten your mood? Share some ideas in the comments!

Lindley Curtis

With a background in ministry and social work, Lindley has worked in churches and non-profit settings with caregivers and older adults. Lindley coordinates the individual and group volunteers who make the Family House “more than just a place to stay,” and she is inspired every day by their generosity. Originally from Boone, Lindley loves being outside, being creative, cheering on Wake Forest, and spending time with her husband, two young children, and sweet dog.

Contact Lindley at: Lindley.Curtis@familyhousews.org

 

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