World laughter day: According to expert research this is the world’s funniest joke

With everything going on in the world, it might not feel like it, but today is World Laughter Day. Whatever mood we’re in, we’re encouraged to celebrate the positive effects of humor to spread some happiness.

Comedy is good for you

World Laughter Day was the brainchild of Dr. Madan Kataria, The Laughter Guru and founder of the Laughter Yoga movement which combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing techniques. The technique increases oxygen flow in our body and brain making us feel more energetic and healthy. Just 10 to 15 minutes of Laughter Yoga therapy can reduce stress, make your immune system stronger and keep your mind positive during challenging times.

Dr. Kataria stresses that you don’t necessarily need jokes to be able to laugh out loud - but they do help. So what, according to those know all about razor sharp wit and perfectly-timed, deadpan delivery, is the funniest joke ever told?

Of course it’s entirely subjective, what one person finds funny, others might not. In 2001, in conjunction with the British Science Association, University of Hertfordshire professor Richard Wiseman set out to find the most universally appreciated joke for his LaughLab project.

Dyslexic man walks into a bra...

The public were invited to submit their best gags then rate five randomly selected jokes on a five-point scale ranging from ‘not very funny’ to ‘very funny’. This was the winner:

“Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesn’t seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps, “My friend is dead! What can I do?” The operator says, “Calm down. I can help. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.” There is a silence; then a gun shot is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says, “OK, now what?”

There’s been plenty of research into the neuroscience of laughter and its health benefits. Aside from causing our muscles to relax, laughter makes our brain releases chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins which are all associated with positive events and emotions, helping to reduce anxiety and physical pain.

So get yourself out there and make someone laugh today - its the best medicine there is.

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