International Moment of Laughter Day

Whether a person enjoys a laugh, chuckle, giggle or guffaw, this is the day to make the most of it! Laughter is not only fun, but it’s a healthy way to express oneself, even when having a bad day. International Moment of Laughter Day is here to show appreciation for the power that just a moment of laughter can have. 

History of International Moment of Laughter Day

International Moment of Laughter Day can be traced back to 1997 when it was the brainchild of humor consultant and psychologist, Izzy Gesell. Sometimes referred to as “America’s Humorologist”, Gesell set the purpose of the day simply for people to be invited into fun activities where everyone is encouraged to laugh the day away.

Convinced that laughing out loud is as necessary as breathing, organizer Izzy Gesell promotes the idea of the day for its health benefits as it reduces stress, raises self-confidence and enhances relationships. Join in on the fun by celebrating International Moment of Laughter Day with a moment of laughter – on this day or any day of the year!

How to Celebrate International Moment of Laughter Day

Ready to start Rolling on the Floor Laughing (ROFL) or Laughing Out Loud (LOL)? Well International Moment of Laughter Day is just the time to do it! Pull out some silly jokes or pranks and enjoy some moments of laughter with some of these ideas:

Start Laughing

Many people don’t realize that laughter truly can be contagious. And the longer a person laughs, the more likely it is that the folks around them will start laughing too. In fact, when a person is on public transportation or in a waiting room begins laughing out loud, the others around them are almost sure to begin smiling. Because it’s almost impossible to keep from smiling when someone else is laughing out loud. International Moment of Laughter Day would be the perfect time to try out this theory!

Enjoy Some Funny Activities

One of the best ways to celebrate International Moment of Laughter Day is to look for things that offer a delightful chuckle or a huge belly laugh! Of course, life can be boring, but with a little effort it can be possible for people to put themselves into the path of humor. This could come by listening to some funny podcasts, reading some funny books or watching some comedians. Get creative with different ways to find a laugh and help others laugh also.

Get Some Comic Relief

Grab some friends and get a group of tickets to catch a show with a favorite stand-up comic. It might even be fun to join in on some Improv comedy shows where the audience gets to participate with ideas and scenarios.

Those who can’t catch a live comedy show in honor of International Moment of Laughter Day might want to invite some friends over to watch some stand-up comedy with friends, whether on television or online. Some of these comedians are considered to have the best shows, whether classic or newer:

• Robin Williams in A Night at the Met (1986)
• Taylor Tomlinson in Quarter-Life Crisis (2020)
• Eddie Izzard in Dressed to Kill (1999)
• Ali Wong in Baby Cobra (2016)