Happy “Tell an Old Joke” Day (And Why it Helps With Stress)

I’m a big fan of observing holidays–the big important ones as well as the lesser-known ones–and today is no exception. Because it’s “Tell An Old Joke” Day, it’s the perfect time to share your favorite jokes and the laughs that come with them. Sharing jokes can help with stress for several reasons, making old jokes a valuable stress reliever that shouldn’t be overlooked. Here are some of the reasons why:

Laughter Is Great For You. It can work out your abs (obviously) but it can also reduce stress hormones and increase immunity. It can shift your perspective as well. Read on for more details on the benefits of laughter.

Shared Laughs Strengthen Relationships (Which Are Also Great For You).  Victor Borge once said, “The shortest distance between two people is a smile,” and the same can be said for laughter. Because strong relationships are so important for overall happiness and resilience, anything that brings you closer to your friends and loved ones is a good thing.

Laughter Lifts Your Mood–And Your Resilience.  Research on mood tells us that anything that lifts your mood as the strong potential to build your resilience to stress. This becomes even truer over time. That means laughter can make your stronger and less stressed.

Jokes Make Stress Relief Contagious.  Simply put, when you make others laugh (and telling old jokes is a surprisingly effective way to do this, even if people are just laughing at the goofiness of it) is a simple and obvious way to help others reap all of these benefits.

Jokes Are Fun. Fun Stress Relief Habits Are Easy To Maintain. One of the more challenging aspects of stress management is that stress relief habits aren’t always easy to maintain. This one is.

For more information on laughter as a stress reliever and how to get more fun into your life, read my (linked) articles on Verywell. You can also find more in-depth information and planning strategies in my book, 8 Keys to Stress Management. If you need some jokes to get you started, here are some of my favorite old jokes:

Q: Why do you never see elephants hiding in trees?
A: Because they’re really good at it!

Q: What’s red and smells like blue paint?
A: Red paint.

Q: What do you call bears with no ears?
A: B

Okay, I’m sure you know some that can top these, so go out and share them!

Savor your day

—Elizabeth