International Joke Day: Why We Need Humor Now More Than Ever

These days, the world feels like an intense, never-ending news cycle. Wars, crimes, climate doom, political acts, and social media meltdowns - served hot and fresh every hour. Add to that our daily grind of office, chores, and the endless loop of "what now?" and it's easy to feel completely overwhelmed. But amidst all this chaos, there’s one thing that remains undefeated is our humor.

Seriously, if there’s anything humans have held onto since the dawn of time (besides fire and the urge to check notifications), it’s the ability to laugh. That one universal instinct that helps us survive, stay sane, and maybe even thrive a little.

Ahead of International Joke Day (July 1), The Free Press Journal delves into why laughter is more essential now than ever before—and how Gen Z, millennials, and even boomers are using humour to navigate this roller coaster world.

When in doubt, laugh it out

“We’re reading, hearing, and watching so much troubling content about geopolitical tension with a direct impact on India, one wonders where the world is headed. At times, there seems no escape — add to that our daily struggles from work, home, academics, etc., everything seems gloomy. So, when I feel overwhelmed, I either watch or read funny content,” says Manasi Singh, working professional. This makes you realize the power of a meme, a silly reel, or a stand-up clip which instantly lifts your mood and makes you feel like the world isn’t entirely falling apart.

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Ultimate mood-lifter

Even science backs it: laughter reduces stress hormones, boosts endorphins, and helps build human connection. But beyond science, it's just... fun and necessary. Social media creator Hanish Sugandh echoes this. “Humour makes all the difference—whether it’s a political issue, war, heartbreak, or just everyday anxiety. If you can laugh your way through life and not victimize yourself, that’s when you’re truly living. Humour helps ease the situation and brings in positivity. It can be your escape from everything bad.”

IQ of laughing

While sensitivity matters, understanding and appreciating humour is also a sign of intelligence and emotional awareness. As Kiran Manna, a financial advisor, puts it: “Humour adds light to a situation and shows presence of mind. Even in serious contexts like war, it can help people understand and reflect. It’s a smart way to send a message.” Humour, after all, has been used for centuries as a form of protest, reflection, and connection—from court gestures to modern-day comics.

Laugh tax is coming (probably)

And then there’s Cyrus Broacha, anchor, comedian, and certified laugh therapist (unofficially), who takes it a notch higher. “We need laughter, but I’m waiting for them to tax it. It’s just a matter of time before laughing in public costs money—just like spitting should’ve been taxed, but hasn’t yet. I feel like laughter will be taxed soon. Looks like the whole world is regressive when it comes to humor. My happy thought? Laugh while you still can, before they ban that too. After baldness, banning laughter would be the greatest male tragedy,” he jokes.

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When life gives you lemons, meme it

We all feel that life is messy, unpredictable, and sometimes just plain weird. But instead of spiraling into sadness, a little humour can help us keep our heads above water.

“We all go through ups and downs, but if we can laugh at our problems, we reclaim power over them. Even in a room full of darkness, a single joke can light it up. My mantra for life - Aag lage chahe basti mein, main apni masti mein,” reveals Chandni Shah, a graphic designer. I think that might just be the motto of modern resilience.

This International Joke Day, don’t just forward that meme or drop a one-liner embrace the joy of laughter as your daily dose of therapy. Share a giggle, spark a smile, and remember: in a world full of chaos, humour is our quiet rebellion. Let’s keep laughing, before someone finds a way to ban that too.