Take a Laughter 🤣 Break
"You may not be able to change a situation, but with humor you can change your attitude about it." – Allen Klein
As I’ve mentioned before, humor and laughter are two of my go-to coping mechanisms. My mom was the same way. She was pretty unflappable when we were little. Nothing much exasperated her with four kids around. She was cool in a crisis (maybe too cool) and usually found something to laugh about
Now that I’m caring for HER, I wish I could say I’m able to use this strategy more, but it’s a challenge. I’m more likely to use it when caring for my son with a traumatic brain injury. His permanent brain damage is in the frontal lobe, meaning his emotional regulation is not fully functioning. In his case, trying to diffuse tension and anger is easier through humor. We often communicate by sending each other funny dog videos via Instagram, or he’ll share videos of a new favorite piece of work equipment he thinks he needs - like a backhoe. 😂 Keeping things playful and fun is SO much easier than being confrontational and difficult.
Allen Klein’s quote above highlights the power of humor as a mindset shift. As caregivers, when we face difficult or unchangeable situations, we can use humor to reframe challenges, lighten emotional burdens, and maintain resilience. Even though we can’t always change the demands of caregiving, we can use laughter to ease stress, lift our (and our loved one’s) mood, and find moments of joy amidst difficulty. Humor doesn’t erase our struggles, but it helps create a more positive and manageable outlook on them.
3 TOOLS TO USE LAUGHTER TO COPE:
Laughter Breaks - Take a few minutes each day to watch a funny video, listen to a comedy podcast, or read a humorous book. This can provide a quick mental reset, reduce stress, and bring lightness to heavy caregiving moments.
Share Humor with Your Loved Ones - Find moments to laugh with the person you’re caring for, whether through storytelling, reminiscing about funny memories, or watching a comedy together. This strengthens emotional bonds and eases tension.
Laughter Yoga or Deep Belly Breaths - Practice laughter yoga (forced laughter that turns real) or simply take a moment to fake laugh until it feels natural. This practice releases endorphins, relaxes the body, and helps caregivers manage stress in a playful, accessible way.
And one final quote from Milton Berle: “Laughter is an instant vacation.” Take a break, have a little laugh, and ENJOY!