I have heard it said that “Laughter is the best medicine” and I guess it is true, but there are times when I just don’t feel like it. However, those are the times when I especially need to find a chuckle because nothing lightens my CarePartner’s load more than laughing at the absurdity of it all.

Parkinson’s Disease is like a dark cloud that is always on our horizon and we never know for sure when the storm will hit. Instead of waiting for a downpour, I am learning to create my own sunbreaks. This may sound too simplistic, but when things are at their most stressful, if I look to my husband and we share a laugh, it will all go a little better. And, isn’t a little bit better all we can hope for sometimes?

There are many reasons to find excuses to laugh everyday. A good laugh soothes nerves and releases tension while massaging and stimulating your internal organs. A belly laugh works your core muscles and strengthens your diaphragm. It doesn’t really matter if it is genuine or forced, the benefits are still there.

So, the next time you are feeling frustrated, stressed or ready to give up, picture my friend here and throw your hands into the air with a hearty “hee haw”.  Trust me, it will change your mood and get you started on a better day.

For more information on the healthy benefits of laughter check out this page on the Mayo Clinic website- “Stress Relief from Laughter”.