Laughter Lifts the Heart for Caregivers

"Laughter is probably the most economical and easy to practice stress-reducing methods "said Certified Laughter Leaders (C.L.L.) Paul Antokolsky and Leslie Ahern at the Northeastern Conference for Family Caregivers held in March. They went on to explain, "recent research has proven that laughter is one of the best muscle relaxants. Laughter actually expands blood vessels and sends more blood to your heart and the muscles all over the body. It has also been shown that hearty laughter reduces the levels of stress hormones while increasing pain -reducing endorphins."

The physical and emotional stress and strain on caregivers has been well documented. Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand with a progressive illness or acute condition that requires care giving. The challenge to the caregiver is to maintain their own physical and mental health during this time. A regular routine of laughter can help a caregiver do that. But " how can I laugh," you ask, "When I feel more like crying".

Laughter is really about breathing. If any of you were in choir or took singing lessons you learned about diaphragmatic breathing. That is breathing deeply so that your belly not your chest rises with each intake of air. You might want to place a hand on your chest and one on you belly -take that deep breath in and check to make sure you are getting a rising belly not chest. Then your exhalation becomes a "belly" laugh as you exhale with the words ha-ha- ha- slowly and softly at first.

Repeat this exercise, allowing yourself to take larger in breaths and make louder ha-ha -ha's. Now repeat the exercise a little faster so those ha ha's have start to run together. It's like when you start your car and you can hear the motor start to turn over. Let those ha, ha, ha exhalations start to roll, that's right, now your getting your laughter motor going.

Learning how to" laugh when you want" is easier with others and a little instruction from a laughter leader. Therefore seniors and caregivers are invited to join Leslie and Paul's Laughter Sessions on March 28th at 10AM in Jamaica Plain, on April 20th at 6PM in Roslindale and at the Ethos Senior Palooza on May 16th at 4 PM. This is sponsored by Ethos and the Caregiver Alliance so there is no charge but you must pre-register by calling Family Care Advisor, Leslie Ahern at 1-857-991-9882. Laughter exercises can be done seated or standing and all sites are handicapped accessible. Directions given upon registration. For More information go online to Laughterforhealth.com.