National SCUD Day

What is National SCUD Day?

National SCUD Day, observed every year on July 8, is a day dedicated to reducing emotional tension and promoting humor and positivity in everyday life. The acronym SCUD stands for “Savor the Comic, Unplug the Drama.”

Rather than focusing on stressful or dramatic aspects of life, SCUD Day encourages people to pause, breathe, and immerse themselves in the lighthearted, joyful, and funny parts of life.

Origin & Founder

Stephanie West Allen

• The day was founded in 2007 by Stephanie West Allen, a former lawyer, conflict resolution specialist, and writer.

• Stephanie ran a newsletter titled “Savor the Comic, Unplug the Drama”, aimed at helping people handle stress, conflict, and emotional burnout by incorporating humor, lightness, and mindfulness into daily life.

• She believed that modern life had become far too “drama-saturated,” and that people were unknowingly addicted to stress and conflict.

• Thus, SCUD Day was born as a reminder to detach from over-seriousness and embrace a more balanced emotional life.

Purpose & Meaning

1. Mental Wellness

• The core goal is to encourage people to take a step back from negativity, toxic relationships, stressful social media, and conflict-driven media.

• It acts as a reset button to promote mental clarity, humor, emotional intelligence, and emotional detachment from unnecessary drama.

2. Humor as Healing

• SCUD Day promotes the idea that humor heals — it lowers cortisol, improves blood pressure, and boosts immune function.

• Laughter therapy and comic relief have been shown to help people with depression, anxiety, and trauma.

3. Detox from Drama

• In an age where drama is monetized (through social media algorithms, reality shows, and polarizing news), SCUD Day urges individuals to consciously unplug for one day.

• That means no gossip, no arguments, no overreactions, and no toxic conversations.

 Emotional & Social Benefits

Benefit	Impact
Reduced cortisol	Less anxiety and stress
Increased endorphins	Improved mood and sense of well-being
Lower blood pressure	Improved heart health
Stronger immune system	Better physical resilience
Greater social connection	Laughter bonds people together
Emotional clarity	Helps separate real issues from drama

Scientific Background

Research shows:

• Laughter:

  • Increases endorphin release and pain tolerance.

  • Reduces stress hormone levels.

  • Improves cardiovascular health.

  • Boosts immunity and even memory.

• Drama & Stress:

  • Chronic exposure to stress hormones like cortisol leads to fatigue, depression, heart problems, and weakened immunity.

  • Constant exposure to online arguments or real-life drama can cause emotional exhaustion.

SCUD Day thus aligns with neuroscientific and psychological advice that promotes emotional regulation, mindfulness, and joyful living.

How People Celebrate

Personal Celebration Ideas

1. Comedy Time:

   • Watch a stand-up special, sitcom, or animated comedy.

   • Read a funny book or comics (like Calvin & Hobbes or The Far Side).

2. Social Detox:

   • Log off from social media.

   • Avoid toxic or dramatic conversations.

   • Decline invitations to gossip or emotionally draining interactions.

3. Mindfulness Activities:

   • Try meditation, tai chi, or yoga.

   • Listen to relaxing or humorous podcasts.

   • Take a solo nature walk to reflect or laugh.

4. Fun with Friends or Family:

• Host a comedy movie night.

• Share your favorite childhood jokes.

• Play board games that spark laughter (like Pictionary or Charades).

Sample SCUD Day Schedule

Time	Activity
Morning	Stretch or do a short yoga session
Midday	Watch a comedy special or funny movie
Afternoon	Take a quiet walk, read, or meditate
Evening	Virtual or IRL hangout with friends—share jokes

Online Celebration

• Share jokes, memes, or positive content with the hashtag #NationalSCUDDay.

• Post your favorite funny moment or lesson in “unplugging the drama.”