World Laughter Day

World Laughter Day History

World Laughter Day seeks to encourage laughter around the world. This day views laughter as a universal language that can help connect people from different countries and cultures. According to laughteryoga.org, when you laugh, you undergo a positive change. This change affects you within and it can be used to help change the world around you. By sharing in the joy that comes from laughter, this day aims to create a worldwide community of people who believe in love, kindness, and compassion.

World Laughter Day was created in 1998 by Laughter Yoga founder Dr. Madan Kataria. It is observed annually on the first Sunday of May.

Facts about World Laughter Day

• Laughter has many health benefits. Laughter can help relax the body, boost the immune system, trigger the release of endorphins, diffuse anger, and it may possibly help you live longer.
• According to the Golden Book Of World Records, the world record for longest laugh was achieved on May 1st, 2022, by Sunil Kumar S. V. from Ernakulam, Kerala, India. The laugh lasted for four hours and six seconds.
• Laughter is primarily a social vocalization that fosters bonding, diffuses potential aggression and eases stress and anxiety.
• Wesley Parsons, a farmer from Laurel, Indiana literally died from laughter. After almost an hour of laughing at a joke, he started to hiccup and hours later died from exhaustion.

In the News and Trending in the US for World Laughter Day

Top things to do in the US for World Laughter Day

• Attend the World Laughter Day Celebration by Laughter Yoga International in New Jersey and enjoy laughing with others. There is music and snacks too.
• Arrange for a group laughter session with a leader of one of the many laughter clubs. If you are an employer, it can serve as good therapy for your employees.
• Laugh and laugh some more. Try to force laughter to bring about real laughter.
• Watch different Yoga Laughter videoshere
• Watch a funny movie or show. This list by filmsite.org has something for everyone.