Reading a joke provides a quick mental boost with lasting benefits.

Jokes bring laughter, which releases endorphins—our body’s natural feel-good chemicals—elevating mood and reducing stress. Laughter can also improve cardiovascular health by increasing blood flow and relaxing muscles, offering a physical release that feels refreshing. Humor sharpens cognitive functions, as understanding jokes requires quick thinking, wordplay interpretation, and mental flexibility.

Socially, jokes bring people together; sharing laughter builds bonds and can improve communication. Additionally, reading and enjoying jokes promotes a positive outlook, which boosts resilience and fosters a more optimistic mindset. Even a brief joke provides a momentary escape, brightening your day and reminding you not to take things too seriously.

Read the joke below:

An old man calls his son and says, “Listen, your mother and I are getting divorced. Forty-five years of misery is enough.”

“Dad, what are you talking about?” the son screams.

“We can’t stand the sight of each other any longer,” he says. “I’m sick of her face, and I’m sick of talking about this, so call your sister and tell her,” and he hangs up.

Now, the son is worried. He calls his sister. She says, “Like hell they’re getting divorced!” She calls their father immediately. “You’re not getting divorced! Don’t do another thing. The two of us are flying home tomorrow to talk about this. Until then, don’t call a lawyer, don’t file a paper. DO YOU HEAR ME?” She hangs up the phone.

The old man turns to his wife and says, “Okay, they’re both coming for Christmas and paying their own airfares”