One About Alzheimer’s
Humor Is the Secret to a Happier Life Laugh It Off When was the last time you laughed so hard your stomach hurt? April is National Humor Month, which means it’s the perfect time to embrace laughter, lighten up, and maybe even learn to laugh at ourselves a little more. Life is full of unexpected moments; sometimes, the best way to deal with them is to take a step back and find humor in the chaos. One of my favorite ways to shift my perspective is what I like to call the “20-Year Test.” When something goes wrong — whether it’s spilling coffee on my shirt before a big meeting, sending a text to the wrong person, or tripping over nothing in public — I stop and ask myself: “Am I still going to be upset about this in 20 years?” Nine times out of 10, the answer is no. In fact, it’ll probably be a hilarious story to tell down the road. So, why not skip ahead and laugh about it now instead of stressing over it? Laughter has this magical ability to turn frustrating, awkward, or even disappointing situations into something manageable. It helps us let go of grudges, move past embarrassing moments, and, honestly, keeps us from wasting too much brain space on things that just don’t matter in the long run. Plus, science backs it up — laughter reduces stress, boosts mood, and can even improve heart health. Who knew a good chuckle could be such a powerful life hack? We’ve all been guilty of letting small annoyances eat away at us: that driver who cut us off, the Wi-Fi going out at the worst possible moment, or that time we said something weird in a meeting and replayed it in our heads for hours. But what if, instead of frustration, we tried to find the humor in those moments? It’s easier said than done, but it’s worth a shot. So, this month, let’s challenge ourselves to laugh more. Share funny stories, watch a comedy special, or find humor in the little things that don’t go as planned. And if you ever find yourself frustrated, give it the 20-Year Test — chances are, it’s not as big of a deal as it seems. After all, life is much more fun when you learn to laugh along the way!
WITH LOVE AND PATIENCE
language. “The doctor says your memory is having some trouble, and we’re going to work together to make things easier for you” can be a gentle way to introduce the topic without causing fear. If they seem confused, pausing and revisiting the conversation later is okay. The goal isn’t to force understanding in one sitting but to provide support over time. Be prepared for a range of emotions. Everyone reacts differently. Some may feel sadness, others may brush it off, and some may even get frustrated. There’s no “right” way for them to process the news. Just listen. Offer comfort, validate their feelings, and avoid saying things like “Don’t worry” or “It’s not a big deal.” Instead, let them know that whatever they’re feeling is okay. Focus on the present and the positives. Instead of dwelling on what might happen in the future, focus on the now. Talk about the things they still enjoy, the routines that bring comfort, and the moments you can share.
e tions, ortive “Caring ting.” or give k up ay!
At the end of the day, what matters most isn’t having the perfect conversation — it’s making sure they feel loved, heard, and supported every step of the way.
Classic Fish Fry
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
Ingredients
• Vegetable oil • 2 lbs fresh cod • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1/2 cup all-purpose unbleached flour • 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp water • 2 cups plain bread crumbs • 1/2 tsp mustard powder • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper • Lemon wedges
Directions
1. Pour 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet over medium- high heat. 2. Cut cod into 4 servings and season with salt and pepper. 3. Place flour into a pie tin. Whisk egg and water in a second pie tin. Combine bread crumbs, mustard powder, and cayenne in a third pie tin. 4. Coat your fish in the flour tin, then the egg tin, then the bread crumb tin. 5. Set coated fish in hot oil and fry for 5 minutes on each side. 6. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!
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