Someone observed that laughter is one of the basic food groups. It’s true, if food includes an activity that lowers blood pressure and increases oxygen in the blood.

We’ve known for a long time that exercise tends to reduce stress. We talk about the “runner’s high.” Add laughter to the list of things that create a physiological response. Laughter increases the level of hormones like endorphins, the neurotransmitters our bodies manufacture to reduce pain. Laughter can increase the number of antibody producing cells, boosting the effectiveness of T-cells. In other words, a good laugh may strengthen your immune system. Laughter also reduces the level of stress hormones, reducing the physical effects of stress. How can I incorporate laughter into my caregiver’s routine?

How can I change my perspective? Can I lighten up? I’m not just looking for laughter that hides a silent cry. I want the real thing.

Be intentional about lightening up. Create what we might call planned laughter. Make time to watch a movie you know is hilarious. Look for television shows—even if they are reruns—that are truly funny.

Devise methods that help you put some idiotic circumstance into perspective now, not later. Most caregivers have been in situations where you thought you could either laugh about it or cry about it. The inefficiencies and miscommunications you experience if your care receiver is a nursing home patient drives most caregivers to the brink of distraction sometimes. Maybe the issue that seemed so frustrating or depressing at the time appears only ridiculous when you look back on it. Is there a way to view such events when they happen as challenges rather than disasters? Can you think at the time of how it will sound if you tell it to your friends? Can you laugh about it now instead of only later?

Laugh with friends. Laughter is contagious. It connects us with others. If you can plan to watch a funny movie or go to a comedy club with friends, you may laugh more as you join in with them. You may also create shared jokes and memories to laugh about again.

Laughter is a distraction. It changes your focus from yourself and a sense of aloneness or whatever negative emotion you are experiencing—and most caregivers have plenty of negative emotions—to the cleansing feeling that may come after a good laugh. Laughter provides physical and emotional release.

Laughter can even give you a physical workout. You can laugh so hard you exercise your diaphragm and contract abdominal muscles, leaving them more relaxed. Remember, laughter is internal jogging.

Parting shot: Did you know that the study of laughter has a serious name? It’s called gelotology. No kidding. Google it; you’ll see.