Okay, everyone has heard that laughter is the best medicine. Is it true? Well, it certainly can’t hurt when it comes to Parkinson’s disease.
By its very nature, Parkinson’s in itself is certainly no laughing matter. After all, it is a progressive neurological disease that can become quite debilitating. It can rob a person of movement and of the enjoyment of many activities. Is there humor to be found in living everyday with Parkinson’s? Absolutely! It may just take a little effort to look for it.
Most people remember hearing their mothers say “there’s no use in crying over spilled milk;” this saying stands up today as well. Did you spill some water on the floor as you were carrying it to the table? Grab the mop and laugh at how great it is that you won’t have to clean the floors this week because you are already doing it. Accidentally drop the phone while you were talking to your grandson and miss part of what he was saying? Let him know his news was so exciting your jaw dropped – knocking the phone right out of your hand.
Are these examples a little too corny for you? Fear not. The only real point to be made here is try to see the lighter side of things. Yes, Parkinson’s is serious, but life in general has a sense of humor, and so should you. Typically people who adopt the most positive attitude about their situation and who don’t see everything so seriously are best equipped to cope with what comes down the line.
So, laugh often. Try attending laughter yoga. Watch your favorite sitcom on TV. Watch your cat chase it’s tail. Just laugh. Besides, laughter produces dopamine, so it really can’t hurt!