THE MEDICINE CALLED SMILE

Smile has a way of bringing stress levels down. Since we have now learned that smiling sends certain chemicals and signals to your brain, we can understand how the simple act is a mood mechanism. But further, than just mood-boosting, smiling can also reduce stress by releasing chemicals called endorphins, which lower stress levels and bring about a sense of mild euphoria.

Smiling can trick the body into helping you elevate your mood because the physical act of smiling actually activates neural messaging in your brain.

Smiling in and of itself is a powerful tool that helps us communicate with others without needing to say a thing. But it also can have powerful effects on ourselves, too.

The best part about smiling is that the only instructions needed are “just do it.” Once you smile, the mental and physical health benefits begin. But when you don’t have a smile you’re proud of, you’re shutting yourself off from a happier life.

Many see smiling simply as an involuntary response to things that bring you joy or laughter. While this observation is certainly true, what most people overlook is that smiling can be just as much a voluntary response as a conscious and powerful choice.

Still not convinced? Here are 5 reasons you should make a conscious effort to smile every day.

1. 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. Not surprisingly, more severe, or negative facial expressions like frowns, scowls and grimaces actually work in the opposite manner, effectively pushing people away. Instead, use the attractive power of your smile to draw people in.

 2. 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.

3. 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 activates neural messaging in your brain.

4. Smiling Is Contagious

How many smiles have been described as having the power to lighten up the room? While it is certainly a beautiful sentiment, it carries a hint of truth. Smiling not only has the power to elevate your mood, but it can also change the moods of others and make things happier. Yes, it is scientifically proven that smiles are “contagious!”

    5. Smiling Makes You Look Younger

Not only can smiling make you more attractive it can also make you look more youthful. The muscles we use to smile also lift the face, making a person appear younger. So instead of opting for a facelift, just try smiling your way through the day—you’ll look younger and feel better.

A strong link has been found between good health, longevity, and smiling. Most importantly, studies have shown​ that just the act of smiling (making the physical facial shapes and movements), whether the result of real joy or an act, can have both short- and long-term benefits on people’s health and wellbeing.