Laughter is Good Medicine

Yesterday, I wrote about using small acts of service to help combat depression.  Today, I want to continue combating depression with laughter.  Ever notice how a good laugh makes you feel good?  Laughing releases endorphins and those feel good.  There was a very scientific study somewhere that I don’t want to look up that proves it.

Sometimes TV or movies can be funny enough, but life gives the best laughs.  Elle walking in covered in ink from the markers she found, with the biggest smile on her face, saying “Daddy, me pretty.”  Misusing the word ‘seduce’ as ‘seduct’ while kissing my wife.  A duck walking down the street sideways like its drunk.  All these happened and made someone fall over in laughing fits.

While laughing will not cure a chronic illness, it does make life enjoyable.  Go make memories.  What are some memories of yours that made you fall over laughing, share down in the comments.

Little Acts Of Service

When facing chronic illness, depression is a big posibility.  This is for both the spouse and the illness holder. Service is one of the best ways to combat depression.  But one does not have to plan trips to remote African villages to serve others.  One person I know makes sure to write a birthday message to every person they know on Facebook.  They did this after receiving only one ‘Happy Birthday’ themselves.  They wanted to make sure that their friends had at least one happy birthday.  Favorite foods, flowers, small favors, all work.  Make sure your spouse smiles at least once a day.

Taking Care Of One Means Taking Care Of Two

When studying survival skills, you learn that there are priorities that help you survive.  You need air before shelter, water before food.  When we are taking care of others, as a police officer, nurse, or a parent, you need to take care of yourself first, or something can happen to you and now both of you need care.  Same goes for caring for someone with a chronic illness.  Take care of yourself, find personal time, don’t overlook medical care for you, and make vacations a priority!  Which is where I am, on vacation.  Catch ya later, I am,now going to eat some ice cream and read a book.