Celebrate the Great American Grump Out the First Wednesday in May

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What the heck is the Great American Grump Out™? Well, according to smilemania.com, the one-time home of the Great American Grump Out (which is no longer online), it’s a “day to focus on humor, self awareness and positive behaviors to lighten up the seriousness and stresses of the world for 24 hours.”

So although it sounds like it might be a day to be grumpy, it’s not. It’s actually a day to not be grumpy.

(If you need a day to be grumpy, try Curmudgeon’s Day on January 29. Yes, you’ll have to wait almost 9 months to celebrate it. Yes, it’s ok to be grumpy about that. But maybe try to start tomorrow?)

Janice A Hathy started the Great American Grump Out. She is an author and speaker, presenting stress reduction programs and other materials for improving mental, physical and emotional health.

 

Why Do We Need a Grump-Free Day?

Because the world’s a grumpy place! And many days it just seems to be getting grumpier. We need a break from the constant negativity.

Negative attitudes can feed stress, which just makes us feel more grumpy. And being constantly grumpy can be bad for health. It raises your blood pressure and suppresses your immune system among other things.

Spending a day being consciously non-grumpy can help us see how much better we can feel with a positive attitude.

Now yes, there can be good reasons to feel grumpy some days. But often our grumpy mood is an over-reaction to normal, everyday “stuff.” Don’t let that “stuff” make you grumpy and unhealthy. Learn to recognize it and let it go. Save the grump for days and situations that truly warrant it.

The Great American Grump Out can help you get started.

Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this non-grumpy unofficial holiday.

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How to Celebrate The Great American Grump Out

According to the day’s official page, you are urged to “go for just 24 hours without being grumpy, crabby or rude.”

Can you do it?

Are you sure? It means no complaining, frowning, or grousing.

So how can you turn that frown upside down? Maybe celebrate some famous fictional grumps:

• Sesame Street’s Oscar the Grouch: Unless you lived on a street with one of those “get off my lawn you darn kids” kind of grouches, Oscar may have been your first introduction to a true grump. But he’s a lovable grump. If you have kids, watch some Sesame Street with them. If not, maybe just smile at the memory of Oscar’s grumpy mug.
• Snow White’s pal Grumpy the Dwarf: Each of the seven dwarves had their personalities. And Grumpy’s was generally quite sour. But still he was quite fond of Snow White. Watch the movie with your kids. Or read the book.
• Ebenezer Scrooge: His “Bah! Humbug!” line was really pretty amusing. And if he could transform his thinking, surely you can too (at least for 24 hours!) Watch the original Scrooge movie.

 

Do something nice for yourself (or someone else?) and smile.

Send a funny email. Or share funny posts on social media. After all, it’s hard to be grumpy when you’re laughing!

Get offline and enjoy the outdoors for a while (after sharing your funny posts!). Seriously, the internet is just filled with reasons to be grumpy. From people spouting opinions that contradict your own to trolls posting comments meant to cause grumpiness in all who read them. Just say no. Your grumpiness will evaporate like magic! (Or at least you won’t find reason to get more grumpy).

Wear something fun (or funny).

Do you have other ideas for celebrating this happy, non-grumpy day? Share!

 

Future Great American Grump Out Dates

Since the date of the 1st Wednesday in May changes every year, it could be easy to miss it. And that might make you grumpy! So in the spirit of the day, here’s a list of the dates for that 1st Wednesday in May for the next few years. One less thing to be grumpy about. You’re welcome.

• 2019 – Wednesday, May 1
• 2020 – Wednesday, May 6
• 2021 – Wednesday, May 5
• 2022 – Wednesday, May 4
• 2023 – Wednesday, May 3
• 2024 – Wednesday, May 1
• 2025 – Wednesday, May 7
• 2026 – Wednesday, May 6
• 2027 – Wednesday, May 5
• 2028 – Wednesday, May 3

 

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