•Recount a funny story of your own to your family or friends, or write it down and send it to someone.

•Create puns, plays on words or knock-knock jokes.

•Hang out with a baby, toddler or younger child for a few hours — they can teach us all a lot about laughing.

Like any habit, finding the humor in a situation takes practice. Once you get the hang of it, however, it can make a big difference in how you view the world and how people view you.

For those dealing with serious illness, disability or illness, remember that others are inspired by those who meet challenges with good humor and grace.

If you are providing care for a loved one, making room for some laughter can feel like another to-do that you just don't have time for. That's a signal that you really need to take a break for your own good and that of your loved one.

Have a friend (the one who thinks life is funny) take over for a few hours, or call an agency to arrange respite care and get yourself to a funny movie or laughter-yoga class. Like Joel Goodman said, "Seven days without laughter makes one weak."

MARLA BECK is the founder and president of Andelcare Inc., which provides in-home eldercare. She was named the U. S. Small Business Administration’s 2012 Washington state Small Business Person of the Year. Submit questions by calling (206) 838-1844 or via e-mail to marla@andelcare.com.