Great Care knows mood plays a big part in the caregiving journey, and to be in a good one helps both the caregivers and the loved ones they help.

“So for yourself and your care-receiver, try to see the humor in being a caregiver,” says the National Care Planning Council (NCPC), in “The Caregiver’s Handbook.”

In following the “laughter is the best medicine” adage, which the NCPC says was popularized by Norman Cousin’s book “Anatomy of an Illness,” about his cancer fight and how he laughed his way to recovery, the organization has a few tips to find the funny.

The NCPC suggest writing on a card the reminder, “Have you laughed with your care-receiver today?” and place it in a conspicuous place in the bathroom or kitchen. Also find caregiver support by attending social groups where there is a lot of camaraderie, joy and fun.

“Share something humorous with your care-receiver, a friend, or relative,” says the handbook.

Caregivers can also read funny books or jokes, listen to funny tapes or watch humorous movies or videos that make them laugh, the NCPC says. And, smile.

“Be aware of how often you smile; it takes much less energy to smile than to frown.”

The NCPC advises if caregivers find they’re feeling hopeless, and humor or laughter is not affording the up-lift they want, contact a counselor.

“And remember, laughter is the best medicine. Try it, you’ll like it,” the handbook says.

Great Care Founder and CEO Julie Sullivan agrees.

“Humor can provide so much relief when it comes to handling the responsibilities of caregiving,” she says. ” Laughter is a great caregiver coping mechanism in that it’s great for mental health, softens stress, lightens mood and eases tension.

Dr. Frank Lipman, a pioneer and internationally recognized expert in the fields of Integrative and Functional Medicine, offer seven ways to laugh more every day on his website at drlipman.com. The founder and director of Eleven-Eleven Wellness Center in New York City offers his personal brand of healing that has helped thousands of people reclaim their vitality and recover their zest for life, including though humor’s healing properties.

Dr. Lipman says the healing powers of laughter include reduced blood pressure, blood sugar, stress and cortisol levels.

“Adding humor to our daily roster of health-supporting activities is an easy and pleasurable must-do,” he says. “Well, as spontaneous as the physical act of laughing is, you can set the stage for more humor in your life – if you know where to look.”

His seven simple suggestions can add more laughter in your day, and include:

1. Laugh with others frequently – and occasionally laugh at yourself. Though there’s no shortage of insult-spewing stand-up comedians out there, keep in mind that they are professionals (more or less) and insults and sarcasm won’t win the amateur comedian (i.e., the rest of us) any popularity points.

2. Spend time with funny people. Just as laughter is infectious, so is the opposite.

3. Have a laugh-in. Try a laughing meditation or laughing yoga class. Many people find these classes a totally joyful experience in part because laughing in a group adds a sense of communion and connection to the larger world – plus a nice rush of feel-good endorphins.

4. Need a little comic relief, right away? When you’re having a rough day at the office, give yourself a time out and take a humor break. Step outside for a bit of fresh air and watch a short-format comedy clip on your smart phone.

5. Laugh all the way to the office. One of my patients added lots more laughs to his day – and radically reduced his stress levels – by making the simple switch from 24-hour news radio to comedy radio.

6. Build up your humor reserves. Fill your DVR or TiVo with shows that really make you laugh.

7. Get to know the greats. When time permits, watching a classic, funny movie is a sure-fire, fast-acting stress-buster. Though all of us have our own idea of what strikes us funny, with the help of On Demand, Netflix, Hulu and the old fashioned video store, most of us are never more than a few moments away from a funny, mood-lifting movie.

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs, including respite care. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (888) 240-9101 for more information.