National Humor Month - April 2024

History of National Humor Month

Larry Wilde created National Humor Month in 1976 to show people how humor is a useful tool to improve our ways of life. He stated, “The idea of laughing and the use of humor as a tool to lift ailing spirits is growing. Scientific research now indicates that the curative power of laughter and its ability to relieve debilitating stress and burnout may indeed be one of the great medical discoveries of our times.” Through laughing, we’re reducing our stress and pain levels, strengthening our immune systems, and recharging our bodies.

Humor plays an important role in our overall health. Due to scientific research, it is proven that humor is a useful tool that heals us emotionally and physically. Laughter is part of human behavior regulated by the brain. It is an expression of happiness and inner joy. In social interactions, it’s a sign of acceptance and positive interactions with others. It is contagious and oftentimes, the laughter of one person provokes the laughter of another. Humor is a useful way to relieve stress.

Have you ever heard the saying, “Laughter is the best medicine?” As human beings, we love to laugh because it brings happiness and joy into our lives (the average adult laughs 17 times a day). The more we’re able to laugh at ourselves, the more we’re able to share those moments with our friends and family. The industries built around laughter such as jokes, sitcoms, and comedians are all designed to make us laugh because it makes us feel good. It has a positive effect on our bodies; it relaxes our muscles as well as increases our blood flow and boosts our heart rate.