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SPD’s Children Services team kickstarted its first Caregiver Support Programme (CSP) this year with a Laughter Yoga session on 26 September. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the usual onsite CSP sessions were moved online for the first time. What resulted was a virtual gathering of 15 caregivers from our four SPD Building Bridges EIPIC Centres who interacted and enjoyed themselves at the session.
In these exceptional times, stress levels are especially high as people struggle to adapt to the new normal. Even before the COVID-19 situation, our caregivers of children with developmental needs often face significant pressure and challenges. They tend to focus their energies on their child and in the process, may neglect their own well-being.
This prompted our social workers to brainstorm on ways to provide the caregivers with a much needed “me time” where they can relax, have fun and focus on themselves.
The team eventually decided on holding a laughter yoga session, which is being conducted through a series of breathing and relaxation exercises which stimulate laughter. Not only does laughter yoga helps to strengthen the immune system, it also reduces pain and lowers stress.
The one-hour session was facilitated by Ms Ang Yingying, a certified laughter yoga leader in Singapore, and co-facilitated by social workers from SPD@Jurong and SPD Ability Centre.
After an ice-breaker session, and an introduction to laughter yoga, the participants jumped right into practice. It was heartening to see caregivers and their little ones participating enthusiastically. As the session progressed, the caregivers started warming up and the session was soon filled with laughter and giggles as participants were tickled by their own attempts at trying out the various poses.
The session concluded with a segment on self-care where the social workers suggested activities that caregivers could do to take some time out for themselves.
Ms Liza Yunawo, a caregiver from SPD@Jurong, who enjoyed the brief respite that the session offered shared: “I am satisfied with the session. It was very positive, and I really enjoyed it.” She has also learnt to face any situations with positivity and laughter first.
Ms Michelle Tham, a social worker from SPD@Bedok who also participated in the session, said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the session and it was great to see how much a brief session like this had so many tangible benefits for the parents and caregivers.”
