International Joke Day

While many holidays have a serious message or theme, this particular holiday is a total joke. July 1 is International Joke Day, an annual ‘howliday’ celebrated around the world on the first of July.

While the “creator” of this holiday is unknown, it's important to remember we all need to take a chill pill every now-and-then and take things a little less seriously. With high unemployment and a depressed economy, many people are overworked, underpaid and stressed out. We need to learn to laugh at life and ourselves a bit more. Becauselaughter really is the best medicine, right?

Benefits of Laughter

In fact, many believe laughter does a body good! Laughter can relieve stress, strengthen your immune system and diminish pain. It can also make you feel less lonely and more positive about yourself. And some even believe laughing actually burns calories! Plus, it’s totally free and anyone can do it!

Like yawning, laughter is actually contagious. So go ahead – give yourself a break and have a great big laugh out loud moment and see who will get the last laugh?

How to Celebrate International Joke Day

• Create your own Knock Knock joke.

• Make it movie night with one or two hilarious flicks from the 100 Funniest Movies of All Time. Just a few of the favorites that made the list include Airplane, Animal House, Blazing Saddles, Vacation, The Hangover, Up in Smoke, There’s Something About Mary or Dumb & Dumber.

• When was the last time you watched a few honest-to-goodness cartoons?

• Try a little Laughter Yoga on for size!

• Invite the BFFs over for a laughter slumber-party – no serious or depressing discussions allowed. Just be sure to whip up a few fabulous snacks and beverageswhile you're at it!