National JoyGerm Day
National JoyGerm Day:
Celebrated annually every January 8th, the National JoyGerm Day reminds us that Joy is infectious too! Have you caught the JoyGerm yet? If No, why wait? Put on your best moods and let some JoyGerm sharing begin!
Year | Date | Day | Where |
2021 | 8th January | Friday | United States |
2022 | 8th January | Saturday | United States |
2023 | 8th January | Sunday | United States |
Twitter Hashtags:
#NationalJoyGermDay
#JoyGermDay
Related: Other National Days Celebrated on January 8th:
National Winter Skin Relief Day
Why National JoyGerm Day?
It is a mystery how your mood can affect others around you. The idea of JoyGerm Day seems to have various theories. Some records tell that Joan White, resident of Syracuse, New York as well as retired advertising and public relations specialist was inspired by her mother’s joyful nature and came up with the idea of JoyGerm!
Another story is that the idea of JoyGerm came up while she was working for a local inn and the phrase wasn’t accepted back then, so she put it to good use all by herself.
Yet another record states that she came across a newspaper article where a couple would charge people in exchange to worry on their behalf. Joan sensed that this technique could not counter the worry of people. Thus the concept of JoyGerm came into being!
Looking at the above three instances, there is no doubt that Joan founded the day to spread joy like the germs even though we are not able to find the exact motive that inspired her!
Being a positive thinker herself, Joan began promoting the JoyGerm Day through Radio shows, newsletters, magazines, TV interviews, postcards, and the hug coupons! The idea of JoyGerm spread infectiously through all these efforts.
Shortly, Joygerms unlimited came into being and were given memberships free of cost! Although the idea was unofficially celebrated since 1981, it did not become a National Day until 1985.
The purpose of the day is to spread joy in every way possible. Smile, hug, crack a joke, or do something kind to break the ice around the grumpy ones! Just as germs spread easily but are fatal, the JoyGerm is the exact opposite, where it makes life a little better.
Today, many of the 100,000 official members of Joygerms Unlimited visit nursing homes and hospitals to spread a little happiness. Joan, in her eighties, hasn’t stopped in her pursuit of spreading JoyGerm through her popular newsletter “Infectionately Yours” as well as by sending lots of letters, cards, and phone calls! Have you been infected by the JoyGerm yet?
How Can We Observe National JoyGerm Day?
- Get an official JoyGerm Unlimited membership
Get your official membership of the Joygerms Unlimited by sending them a self-addressed and stamped envelope! Or simply send an email as well!
- Don’t hide your smile!
One of the best ways to celebrate National JoyGerm Day is with your smile! Wear your smile at home, workplace and around people that you find difficult to handle as well!
- Spread joy to the aged and lonely
It is common to see that older adults feel lonely and neglected. Think of ways to instill positivity and Joy. You could spend time doing what they love to do!
- Think, Do, and Say Nice things!
Spread the JoyGerms by thinking about nice things, thereby saying and doing nice things! Be the joy that you would want to have!
- Own a JoyGerm Mascot
Show your support for the day by adding some JoyGerm Mascots like T-shirts and memberships to your collection! You could also use them to raise funds to spread joy in possible ways for the less fortunate or support the local NGOs for a worthy cause
- Infect your JoyGerm on social media too!
Celebrations don’t end without spreading the JoyGerms on social media! Take time to share the inspiration behind JoyGerms and your own stories to inspire others to spread the joy bug today and every day hereafter! Use #NationalJoyGermDay and #JoyGermDay to share your joy on social media!
Interesting Facts About National JoyGerm Day:
Here are some interesting facts to inspire you to stay Joyful!
- The chemical serotonin is linked to inducing happiness in our brain
- Foods that are rich in tryptophan such as chicken, nuts, and milk enhance the production of serotonin
- Eating a moderate amount of chocolate can boost your mood as they release endorphins
- Studies show that expressing gratitude generates optimism
- Physical activities cause the brain to release “happy” hormones such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin
So next time you feel low you know what to do!
History of National JoyGerm Day:
The National JoyGerm Day was founded in 1981, January 8th by a rather joyful woman Joan White! January 8th also happened to be White’s Mom’s birthday. The day is celebrated as a fun unofficial holiday across the US!