08 Mar Top 10 Reasons You Should Smile Every Day
Many see smiling simply as an involuntary response to things that bring us joy or laughter. While this observation is certainly true, what we overlook is that smiling can be just as much a voluntary response as a conscious and powerful choice. Many scientific studies have confirmed that a genuine smile is generally considered attractive to others around us. Most importantly, studies have shown that just the act of smiling can elevate our mood and can has countless benefits on people’s health and wellbeing.
Still not convinced? Here are the top 10 reasons you should smile every day.
- Smiling makes us attractive
We are naturally drawn to people who smile. There is a real physical attraction factor linked to the act of smiling and unsurprisingly, more severe or negative facial expressions like frowns and some grimaces actually work in the opposite manner, effectively pushing people away. Instead, use the attraction power of your smile to draw people in.
- Smiling Relieves Stress
Stress can permeate our entire being, and can really show up in our faces. Smiling not only helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed, but can actually help reduce stress. Believe it or not, smiling can reduce stress even if you don’t feel like smiling or even know that you’re smiling!
When you are stressed, take the time to put on a smile. You and those around you will reap the benefits.
- Smiling Elevates Our Mood
Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There’s a good chance your mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you elevate your mood because the physical act of smiling actually activates neural messaging in your brain. A simple smile can trigger the release of neural communication boosting neuropeptides as well as mood-boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Think of smiling like a natural anti-depressant.
- Smiling Is Contagious
How many smiles have been described as having the power to lighten up the room? While it is certainly a beautiful statement, it carries a hint of truth. Smiling not only has the power to elevate our mood, but it can also change the moods of others and make things happier.
The part of our brain that is responsible for controlling the facial expression of smiling is an unconscious automatic response area. Meaning that smiling can be completely unconscious, particularly when it comes to our habit of mimicking another person’s smile.
Yes, it is scientifically proven that smiles are “contagious!”
- Smiling Boosts Your Immune System
And not just the immune system but our overall health. The act of smiling actually helps the human immune system to function more effectively. It is thought that when we smile, immune function improves because we are more relaxed. In addition to taking precautions like washing your hands, why not try to prevent the cold by smiling?
- Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure
When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?
- Smiling Makes Us Feel Good
Studies shows that smiling releases endorphins, which acts as a painkiller and serotonin. Together these three neurotransmitters make us feel better. Not only do these natural chemicals elevate our mood, but they also relax our body and reduce some physical pain. Smiling is also a natural drug.
- Smiling Makes us Look Younger
Not only can smiling make us look better, it can also make us look more youthful. The muscles we use to smile also embellish our face. So instead of opting for a face lift, we can smile our way through the day and we’ll look younger and feel better.
- Smiling Makes us Seem Successful
Studies shows that people who smile regularly appear more confident and are more likely to be promoted at work. So, try putting on a smile at meetings and business appointments. You might find that people react to you differently.
- Smiling Helps us Stay Positive
Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It’s hard, isn’t it? Even when a smile feels unnatural or forced, it still sends the brain and ultimately the rest of our body the message that “Life is Good!”
Stay away from depression, stress, and worry by smiling.
