Want to lift your mood, improve your health and attract people towards you – all at the same time? All you have to do is smile. Smiling makes you happier, and makes the brain release feel good endorphins that continue to improve your overall mood. The more you smile, the greater the positive vibes that you give out, which means that you will experience more happiness and joy in your reality.
If you’re not a naturally smiley person you may need to practice putting on your best smile for the crowds. Once you realise that you can enjoy so many benefits, simply from smiling more every day, you’ll quickly become the smiliest person around.
- Smiling is good for you
Research shows that there are many health benefits contributed to smiling. When you adjust your facial expressions and put on a smile, you create a positive effect on many factors in your life. Although you won’t be physically aware, physiological changes occur in your body when you smile.
The movements of the muscles in your face trigger the brain to release neurotransmitters – known as endorphins – every time that you smile. Endorphins lower your stress levels and make you feel happy, which is beneficial for your wellbeing.
- Smiling is contagious
Smiling is a non-threatening gesture that makes you look more attractive and approachable. When you smile at someone you don’t know there’s a 50/50 chance that they will smile right back at you. Those who don’t are choosing not to lift their mood. Get into the habit of greeting everyone you meet, whether you know them or not, with a warm, friendly smile. You’ll be spreading the positive health benefits around you as you go about your day.
- Smiling keeps you looking youthful
Smiling makes you glow and naturally lifts the face so that your appearance looks more youthful. Smiling uses 17 muscles and gives your face a workout. Studies have shown that happier people, who smile more, on average look around 3 years younger. You can also expect to live around 7 years longer if you take up the healthy habit of smiling more every day.
- Smiling lowers stress and anxiety
Every time that endorphin levels are increased, the stress hormone cortisol is reduced. When you feel stressed or anxious cortisol becomes active in the body, and impacts on how you feel. By lowering stress levels you can minimise those negative feelings. Smiling makes you feel happier and also helps to relax the mind and body. This in turn allows the immune system to become stronger so that it is able to react more efficiently.
- Smiling makes you approachable
Smiley people have a happy-go-lucky air about them that makes them appear more approachable and likeable. When you are giving out a happy vibe other people will naturally gravitate towards you. Smiling is an attractive expression that is beneficial for interpersonal skills, and for your social life. Smiling is also a sign of confidence.
- Smiling makes people wonder what you’ve been up to
Smiling, for no apparent reason other than the fact that you feel good, will make people notice you. When you are smiling, and feeling happy, everyone around you will want to know your secret. Smile sweetly and let them wonder.
- Smiling shines your light
When you have a genuine smile it lights up your entire face. Your natural radiance attracts people towards you. Open your heart to everyone you meet, and greet them with your happiest, sunniest smile.
