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National SCUD Day

Time to relax and laugh, and let go of any sources of drama and negativity in your life.

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Position your wellness, streaming, or fitness brand as the antidote to stress and drama—encourage audiences to unplug negativity and embrace comedy, meditation, or movement on National SCUD Day.

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Comedy binge-watch guide: Top 10 feel-good sitcoms and movies for July stress relief
Wellness bundle offer: Pair a yoga or meditation class with a streaming subscription discount
Unplug the Drama challenge: Share your favorite comedy moment or relaxation ritual on social media
Improv night event tie-in: Partner with local comedy venues to promote stress-relief experiences

History

National SCUD Day’s history can be traced back to 2007 when Stephanie West Allen founded the day. As an author and lawyer, Allen was also studying psychology and was keenly aware the many people were far too stressed out.

Her hope in establishing National SCUD Day was to encourage folks around her to forget being so serious, relax a little bit and infuse some humor into their lives!

In fact, the day was founded along with a newsletter that Allen owned of the same name, called Savor the Comic, Unplug the Drama Club, which was a newsletter that encouraged folks to relax, unwind, and forget about all of life’s problems for a little bit.

Getting its start in the early 2000s, the email newsletter seems to have aged out of existence, but National SCUD Day is still going strong.

Have some fun today focusing on the positive, eliminating the negative and simply enjoying life on National SCUD Day!

How to celebrate

Enjoy Some Comedy

One of the important features of SCUD is the “C”, which stands for comedy. National SCUD Day is an ideal time to back off from watching the news or even dramas and, instead, insert some silliness into the day. Consider adding some comedy into the day with some of these ideas: Sit-Coms. Offered up in bite-sizes of around 20-30 minutes, catch some situation comedy shows for a good laugh. Grab them up on regular television networks or binge watch on a favorite streaming platform like Hulu, Netflix or others. Comedic Movies. Some of the best comic action takes place on the big screen. Head over to the cinema to see what’s playing in the form of laugh-out-loud fun! Improv Comedy Shows. Those who live in or near a city that is lucky enough to offer improvisational comedy shows should grab up some tickets. The Second City in Chicago, Free Association in London, or Bad Dog Theatre in Toronto are just a few of the many amazing places to catch live laughs.

Find Intentional Ways to Relax

Get over those stressed out, anxiety ridden blues and incorporate some intentional relaxation practices into the day. Hopefully this will not only be for one day, but will be a catalyst for creating a habit and a lifestyle of relaxation and inner joy! Try out some of these suggestions for relaxation: Yoga PracticeDeep Breathing ExercisesMeditation and MindfulnessSpend Time in Nature

FAQ

What role does humor play in ancient cultures?

Humor has been a part of human history for centuries. Ancient Egyptians depicted comedic scenes on tomb walls, while Greeks celebrated humor in plays like Aristophanes’ Lysistrata. These traditions highlight how laughter has always helped people bond and cope with challenges.

How can SCUD Day improve relationships?

Laughter reduces tension in relationships. Couples who laugh together often report higher satisfaction and stronger connections. Sharing a funny memory or watching a comedy can reignite intimacy by lightening the mood.

Are there scientific studies on laughter’s physical effects?

Yes, laughter can improve oxygen flow to the brain and lower cortisol levels. Studies show it enhances cognitive functions and boosts creativity. This makes humor a practical tool for solving problems under stress.

What’s a creative way to bring humor into a stressful day?

Create a “joke jar” at home or work. Each person writes down a favorite joke or funny story. When stress levels rise, pulling a slip from the jar offers instant comic relief.

Is there a historical link between humor and mental health?

In the 14th century, physician Henri de Mondeville recommended humor as a healing tool. He believed laughter could distract patients from pain and speed recovery. This reflects humor’s enduring value in wellness.

How do festivals around the world embrace laughter?

In India, Holi celebrations include playful pranks and jokes. Spain’s El Día de los Santos Inocentes is similar to April Fool’s, focusing on harmless tricks. These traditions tie humor to joy and togetherness.

Can laughter truly be contagious?

Yes, researchers have proven that hearing laughter triggers mirror neurons in the brain. These neurons encourage others to laugh, creating a domino effect. This phenomenon makes group laughter especially powerful.

What’s a unique workplace celebration idea for SCUD Day?

Host a “comedy potluck” where employees share humorous stories or talents. These gatherings break down barriers and foster camaraderie, making work more enjoyable for everyone.

What’s an unusual misconception about laughter?

Some think laughter is purely instinctive, but it’s also a learned behavior. Babies don’t laugh until about three months old, developing it as a response to interaction and joy.

Are there unexpected benefits of “unplugging drama”?

Disconnecting from unnecessary drama reduces decision fatigue. People who focus on humor instead often report clearer thinking and better emotional balance. It’s a small change with big rewards.