Invent a holiday! Explain how and why everyone should celebrate.
Life can be a serious business. Bills, work, responsibilities: some weeks there is barely a moment to sit back and guffaw. I would like to fix that with a new holiday. I give you the International Day of Laughter.
Why laughter? Because it is the universal language of joy and a reliable antidote to stress, and the world could use a great deal more of it. Picture one day when everyone, everywhere, is encouraged to notice how absurd life is and respond with a hearty chuckle. Or a snort. There is no judgment here.
How to celebrate International Day of Laughter:
- Host a joke-telling contest. Gather your friends and family and let everyone find their inner comedian. Bonus points for puns so bad they are good.
- Try a laughter yoga session. Yes, it is a real thing, and it is surprisingly fun. It combines deep breathing, playful exercises and contagious laughter.
- Stage public pranks, the harmless kind. Spread joy with a little lighthearted mischief: silly string, whoopee cushions, a strategically placed rubber chicken. The goal is laughter, not lawsuits.
- Hold a movie marathon. Line up your favorite comedies and clear the whole day. May I suggest “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” or “Bridesmaids” to get you started?
- Commit random acts of silliness. Make funny faces at strangers (babies are the most receptive audience), wear a ridiculous hat, tell knock-knock jokes to your pets. The pets will not laugh, but they will respect the effort.
Benefits of International Day of Laughter:
- Stress reduction. Laughter is a natural stress reliever. It releases endorphins and promotes relaxation.
- Improved mood. A good laugh can lift your spirits and chase away the blues.
- Social bonding. Laughter is contagious and it brings people together, which is rare for something contagious.
- Physical health benefits. Laughter can boost your immune system, lower your blood pressure, and give your abdominal muscles a small workout.
So mark your calendars. International Day of Laughter is a global celebration of joy, silliness, and the simple pleasure of a good belly laugh. Dignity is optional.
(P.S. Share your laughter with the world. A holiday this silly only works if somebody else can hear you.)
