Tip #1 Join a SMILE Group?

FIGHT BACK WITH A SMILE
SMILE Groups and Laughter Clubs are fully independent, not-for-profit, community-based associations of diverse people who come together to support each other with a SMILE- We practice LAUGH-in-Motion a joyful exercise for your well being, diaphragmatic breathing, smiling, laughter, movement to music, relaxation, ending each session with fun affirmations and a prayer for healing ideal for everyone who would like to bring more JOY and laughter into there lives. During the winter months our location is not wheel chair accessible so the participants must be able to walk down steps. Karen Ricagno who is the facilitator of SMILE promotes a loving, caring, and compassionate space for those who feel they have nothing to SMILE about. If you are one of thousands of people world wide experiencing these feelings you are not alone. JOIN US...you'll be glad you did. Our motto: when the going gets tough LAUGH. Our groups are intimate, private and most of all a fun.

Indroduction

This blog is for those I am blessed to care for,
and for all of you who make the time to care for those you love & others

365 guilt free ...bite size TEN minute tips for feeling more hope, energy and joy each day
How to Care for Yourself. While You're taking Care of Others

Are you a caregiver or cancer survivor? There are 50 million family caregivers in America and millions of cancer survivors, many of us struggle with fatigue, burnout and the stress of taking care of themselves or someone else, while many juggle church, home, work, family, and other responsibilities. As one of those 50 million myself I'd like to share with you what I've learned and are still learning along my journey. The first thing is to SMILE even when you don't feel like it, just the act of smiling makes you feel good all over. The second lesson and most difficult one for me is "Patience" I struggle with patience daily.

When we forget to take care of ourselves its easy to loose our joy, our smile and our patience... we can become resentful, angry, sad, and depressed. I pray that some of my own personal tips, and tips from others become your lifesaver in the midst of your day and you're able to re-connect with your sometimes tired body and mind by giving back to yourself, so you'll have the patience it takes to care for yourself and the patience it takes to take care for others.

Chapter ONE. Getting started.
ONE. Do your Homework
TWO. Relax and De-Stress
THREE. Go Out and Play
FOUR. Super Foods for Caregivers
FIVE. Go to Bed
SIX. Clean Yourself Up
SEVEN. Clean Up & Tidy Up your Mess
EIGHT. ME Time
NINE. Positive Thinking & Prayer

When the going gets tough LAUGH... Because not all medicine comes in a bottle

LAUGHTER
* Releases feel good endorphins
* Decreases levels of stress hormones
* Lowers blood pressure
* Strengthens the immune system
* Makes us feel good a sense of well being
* Shrinks the "hurts" of everyday life

Take a deep smile in, and a big laugh out. ha ha ha