What is International Joke Day?
While its origins are unclear, International Joke Day is a laughter-filled day celebrated yearly on July 1st. The oldest joke was historically identified in 1900 B.C. in ancient Sumeria. Jokes have evolved quite a bit since then, with the first book of jokes published by Poggio Bracciolini in 1470. Even your favorite joke, “Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side,” has its origins dating back to the mid-1800’s! Your Woodlands dentists enjoy a good “cluckle” every now and then.
If you’re looking to celebrate International Joke Day, consider gathering up a group of friends and visiting a comedy show or posting your favorite joke on social media.
The Healing Properties of Laughter and Smiling
Jokes are powerful, as laughter is known to keep stress at bay, increase positive mood, and even boost the immune system! We all crave human connection, and finding common ground through jokes is a wonderful way to form new friendships.
If laughter isn’t your thing, smiling can show positive benefits to the mind and body. Research shows that smiling releases neuropeptides, which help the body control stress responses. Smiling also is shown to increase transmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. Dopamine and serotonin are known as anti-anxiety and antidepressants, while endorphins have been shown to decrease physical pain. Smiling and laughing often release cortisol, helping to lower blood pressure.
International Joke Day is not only a day to enjoy your favorite joke books and live comedy shows, but also a way to improve stress and physical health!
Visit The Woodlands Dental Group
If you’re looking to keep your smile and mouth healthy all year long, come visit your Woodlands dentist. Conveniently located in The Woodlands, Texas, our dental offices have been voted locally as the Best Dentists for eight years as well as the Overall Business of the Year in 2017. With over 30 years of practice experience, our dental group offers a wide range of specialities, from pediatric, preventative, and cosmetic dentistry, as well as orthodontics and TMJ treatment. Whether you have a specific dental concern or need referral to a dental provider, we can help you achieve your dream smile.
- Dr. Robert Dernick: General, Cosmetic, Implant Dentistry, and TMJ
- Dr. Mike Freeman: General, Cosmetic, Implant, Sleep Apnea, and TMJ
- Dr. Alisa Reed: General, Cosmetic, Implant, Laser, Sleep Apnea, and TMJ
- Dr. Wade Williams: Orthodontics
- Dr. Nikita Vakil: General, Cosmetic, Implant Dentistry
- Dr. Leslie Blackburn: Pediatric Dentistry
