National Humor Month
April 1 - April 30
About National Humor Month
National Humor Month is observed every April across the United States, encouraging people to embrace the therapeutic power of laughter and humour. Founded in 1976 by author and humorist Larry Wilde, this month-long observance highlights how laughter can reduce stress, improve health, and bring people together.
How to Celebrate National Humor Month
National Humor Month is all about finding reasons to laugh. Here are some ways to get involved:
- Watch a comedy special or film – Dedicate an evening to stand-up comedy specials, classic comedies, or funny films. Whether you prefer slapstick, satire, or dry wit, there is something for every sense of humour.
- Share a joke a day – Challenge yourself to share one joke every day in April with a friend, colleague, or family member. It is a small gesture that can brighten someone’s entire day.
- Attend a live comedy show – Support local comedians by attending an open mic night or comedy club performance. Live laughter is contagious and often funnier than anything on a screen.
- Read a humorous book – Pick up a comedic novel, a book of essays, or a collection of cartoons. Authors like P.G. Wodehouse, Terry Pratchett, and David Sedaris have made millions of readers laugh over the decades.
- Start a laughter yoga session – Laughter yoga combines voluntary laughter exercises with yogic breathing. It was developed by Dr Madan Kataria in Mumbai in 1995 and is now practised in over 100 countries.
- Create a humour journal – Write down funny things that happen to you, amusing quotes, or observations that make you smile. Looking back on these entries can lift your mood on difficult days.
- Host a joke night with friends – Invite friends over for an evening where everyone brings their best jokes or funny stories. Pair it with snacks and drinks for a low-effort, high-fun social gathering.
- Try your hand at comedy writing – Write a short sketch, a humorous poem, or even a stand-up routine. You do not need to perform it publicly; the creative process itself is rewarding and often hilarious.
What is National Humor Month?
National Humor Month is an annual April observance that promotes the benefits of humour and laughter in everyday life. It was created to raise public awareness about how laughter can serve as a genuine tool for improving mental and physical health. The observance encourages people of all ages to find humour in their daily routines, share laughs with others, and appreciate the comedians, writers, and creators who bring joy to the world. It coincides with April Fools’ Day on 1 April, making the start of the month a natural launchpad for a month of laughter.
When is National Humor Month?
National Humor Month takes place throughout April each year. In 2026, it runs from Wednesday, 1 April to Thursday, 30 April. The date is fixed and does not change from year to year.
The History of National Humor Month
National Humor Month was founded in 1976 by Larry Wilde, one of America’s best-known humour authors and the director of the Carmel Institute of Humor in California. Wilde had written over 50 books on humour, many of them bestsellers, and he believed passionately that laughter was not merely entertainment but a genuine health tool. He chose April for two reasons: the month begins with April Fools’ Day, a centuries-old tradition of playfulness and pranks, and it falls during one of the most stressful periods of the year for Americans, with tax filing deadlines on 15 April.
Wilde’s vision was rooted in emerging research on the relationship between humour and health. In the 1970s, journalist Norman Cousins famously wrote about using laughter as part of his recovery from a serious illness, bringing the concept of “laughter as medicine” into public consciousness. Wilde built on this momentum, establishing National Humor Month as a way to encourage people to actively seek out humour, particularly during difficult times.
Over the decades, the observance has grown beyond its American origins. Hospitals, schools, workplaces, and community groups now use April as an opportunity to integrate humour into their programmes. The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) actively supports the month with resources and events.
Fun Facts About National Humor Month
- Laughing for just 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories, according to a study by Vanderbilt University.
- The average adult laughs about 17 times per day, while children laugh roughly 300 times daily.
- Research from the University of Maryland found that laughter improves blood flow to the heart, with positive effects lasting up to 24 hours.
- Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
- A study from Loma Linda University showed that laughter improved the memory of adults in their 60s and 70s.
- Larry Wilde, the founder of National Humor Month, was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most widely read humourist in history, based on book sales exceeding 12 million copies.
Why National Humor Month Matters
Humour is far more than entertainment. It is a coping mechanism, a social bond, and a genuine contributor to physical health. Laughter reduces stress hormones, boosts immune function, and releases endorphins that improve mood. In a world that can feel heavy with challenges, dedicating an entire month to finding reasons to laugh is a powerful reminder that joy is not a luxury but a necessity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Humor Month?
National Humor Month is an annual April observance founded in 1976 by Larry Wilde to promote the health benefits of laughter and encourage people to embrace humour in their daily lives.
When is National Humor Month in 2026?
National Humor Month runs from Wednesday, 1 April to Thursday, 30 April 2026.
Who started National Humor Month?
Larry Wilde, a bestselling humour author and director of the Carmel Institute of Humor, founded National Humor Month in 1976. He chose April because it begins with April Fools’ Day and falls during tax season, one of the most stressful times of the year.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your favourite jokes, funny memories, or comedy recommendations on social media with #NationalHumorMonth and #NationalHumorMonth2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to share something that made them laugh today!
Related Awareness Days
- April Fools’ Day – The traditional day of pranks and jokes on 1 April, making it the perfect start to National Humor Month.
- International Joke Day – Celebrated on 1 July, this day is dedicated to sharing jokes and appreciating the art of comedy.
- Stress Awareness Month – Also observed in April, this month highlights stress management techniques, including the proven benefits of laughter.
Links
- Visit the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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