“A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men!”
- Willy Wonka
I first discovered this quote when I was around eleven years old. It hung on a teabag tag from my mother’s teacup. The quote has sure had staying power! It has served me very well over the years. I’ve used it at the most opportune and inopportune times, with patients, doctors and colleagues and in my personal life! It means you can be smart, wise and funny at the same time. Thanks to my patients, I’ve learned that almost everyone appreciates humor. When used appropriately and at the right time humor can lift spirits, ease pain and allay anxiety. And most importantly, it’s an intervention we can do without any adverse effects!! Academics have been researching and finding clear evidence about the positive effects of humor on our health for years.
One of the best nurse’s I’ve ever worked with could disarm and engage her patient in the first fifteen minutes of her meeting them with a funny comment, observation or quip. Her patients saw caring and compassion along with her ability to meet them at one of the most human connections. Patients really looked forward to seeing her again!
Certain cultures expect their caregivers to maintain a sense of decorum and seriousness. I once cared for an older woman, who had prematurely (according to her doctors) taken to her bed with a diagnosis of cancer. Her family moped around her. They seemed to think that in order to show her how much they loved her they needed to be serious and sad all the time. Are you scratching your head now and asking yourself what Willy Wonka has to do with this? I’m getting there! I knew my patient needed a break from her dreary space. At some point during each visit, she would inquire about my children and this would make her smile. During one visit I saw an opportunity, I showed her a picture of my son making a silly face and said “I don’t know where he got that from!” making that same silly face, of course. Laughter ensued followed by funny stories about her children over our next visits. I think my patient needed permission to enjoy what was left of her life and humor helped her do that. Thankfully, her family followed her lead. Although the family never accepted hospice services, I think my patient’s last days were better because humor came back into her life.
If you need a few suggestions to kick-start your foray into humor, take a look or re-look at my April Fools Blog/2011. You will find some quips, props and suggestions to celebrate the day and hopefully share a few laughs, giggles or even better …..Nonsense!
Debra Bertrand, CHAMP Facilitator
