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International Mirth Month encourages us to find humor and joy throughout March. Created by Allen Klein, this month is dedicated to releasing stress through laughter and lighthearted activities. Gather with loved ones to watch funny movies, tell jokes, or simply find enjoyment in the everyday. Embrace the power of mirth to uplift your spirits and connect with others.
Want to sponsor International Mirth Month? Learn how
Expected International Mirth Month Deals
International Mirth Month in March is a prime time for brands to embrace humor and joy in their promotions. While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that entertainment companies like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ often highlight their comedy libraries with special viewing guides or discounted subscriptions. Retailers such as Target and Walmart might feature sales on board games, party supplies, or novelty gifts that inspire laughter. Bookstores like Barnes & Noble could curate displays of humorous fiction and non-fiction. Even food brands like Ben & Jerry’s or OREO might launch playful campaigns or limited-edition products designed to bring a smile. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as March approaches.
Platform Guide for International Mirth Month
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #InternationalMirthMonth. Film short, humorous skits or share your favorite stress-relieving laughter techniques.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalMirthMonth. Post funny memes, joyful photos, or reels showcasing lighthearted moments with friends.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalMirthMonth. Share funny videos, uplifting stories, or host a virtual joke-telling session with your community.
International Mirth Month Hero
Allen Klein
History of International Mirth Month
Mirth is defined as ‘gladness or gaiety as shown by or accompanied by laughter.’ In other words, it is the expression of joy, pleasure, and happiness through laughter and amusement. Originally an old English word, ‘Mirth’ remains applicable to our daily lives even today. It is closely related to laughter, a pleasant physical reaction consisting usually of rhythmical, often audible contractions of the diaphragm and other parts of the respiratory system. Laughter is a feature of human behavior that is controlled by the brain. It helps people explain their thoughts in social interactions and gives conversations an emotional context. Laughter is a symbol of belonging to a group, as it indicates acceptance and positive relationships with others. Laughter is sometimes seen to be contagious, and one person’s laughter might cause others to laugh as positive feedback.
Life tends to get serious and challenging, and it can often be difficult to pull through the difficult times. This is where Allen Klein steps into the picture. Allen Klein is a pioneer in the fields of gelotology and therapeutic humor. Klein’s wife died of liver illness when she was just 34 years old, and the fact that she maintained her sense of humor to the end encouraged Klein to leave his prior work as a theater and television scene designer and pursue a degree in human development. Klein is an author and lecturer who specializes in the stress-relieving effects of humor and lightheartedness. Klein served as president of The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor from 2005 to 2006 and is the author of eight books about the therapeutic use of comedy, happiness, and positivity.
Klein emphasizes the importance of mirth and happiness even during bad days or in the most mundane life. He declared March to be International Mirth Month to encourage everyone to set aside time to do something fun and joyous and find the silver lining in life. Most importantly, to have fun!
International Mirth Month timeline
Allen Klein, also known as Mr. Jollytologist, is born.
Norman Cousins develops a treatment for his collagen disease consisting of Vitamin C and doses of laughter.
A study discovers links between laughter and healthy blood vessels in humans.
Allen Klein declares the celebration of International Mirth Month every March.
How Businesses Can Celebrate International Mirth Month
Local businesses can wholeheartedly embrace International Mirth Month by infusing humor into their operations and marketing. Restaurants might offer ‘Laugh-Out-Loud Lunch Specials’ with playfully named dishes, while retail stores could host ‘Punny Product’ promotions or a joke-of-the-day contest. Service-based businesses can share lighthearted content on social media, encouraging customer engagement with funny anecdotes or memes. Consider partnering with local comedians for a special event or simply creating a joyful atmosphere that encourages smiles and good cheer throughout March.
International Mirth Month FAQs
When is International Mirth Month?
In 2027, International Mirth Month will be observed from Monday, March 1, through Wednesday, March 31. This entire month offers ample opportunity to embrace laughter and reduce stress.
How does laughter benefit your health?
Scientifically, laughter has been shown to increase endorphins, improve blood flow, and provide a good internal workout for your diaphragm and abdominal muscles. Embracing mirth this month can lead to better cardiovascular health and a more positive outlook.
Who created International Mirth Month?
The concept of International Mirth Month originated with Allen Klein, an author and speaker focused on the therapeutic power of humor. He established this observance to encourage a global focus on laughter as a tool for stress relief and emotional well-being.
What is the difference between mirth and joy?
While both mirth and joy evoke positive feelings, mirth specifically highlights lightheartedness and amusement, typically leading to outward expressions like laughter. Joy is a broader, more sustained state of happiness that can exist independently of direct humor.
International Mirth Month Activities
Watch something funny
What better way to get some laughs than to watch your favorite comedy movie or TV show? Put away everything else, find the show or movie that cracks you up like no other, and have yourself a mirthful night!
Go to a comedy club
International Mirth Month is your chance to finally go to the local comedy club that you’ve been planning to go to for ages. March is the time to go for it.
Celebrate with friends
Invite your friends and family for some shared bonding. Spend a fun day planning games, sharing funny stories and anecdotes, and just having a good time.
5 Facts About Laughter
It needs company
People are 30 times more likely to laugh in a group than alone.
It can go on for hours
The world’s longest comedy show was over 40 hours long.
It comes first
Humans learn to laugh before they learn to speak.
It is not just for us
Animals such as rats and monkeys laugh too.
It starts young
Humans laugh the most exuberantly between the ages of five and six.
Why We Love International Mirth Month
There are health benefits to it
Mirth and things associated with it can have health benefits. For instance, a burst of heavy laughter brings in much more oxygen to the lungs than normal breathing would do. Laughter reduces the risk of heart disease, and 15 minutes of laughing a day can make you lose weight.
It can change the mindset
When life gets tough and challenging, we can often get stuck in a downward spiral of negative thoughts and feelings. A month like this is a reminder that we control our minds and can rewire them to focus on the positive.
It strengthens relationships
Having fun together is proven to result in stronger bonds and relationships. This does not only apply to couples but parent-child relationships and friendships as well. Those who laugh together, stay together.
Social Media Tips for International Mirth Month
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