5 reasons we should smile more
Smile! It’s good for you!
When we smile, it’s usually in response to something that makes us happy, right? But what if it worked the other way around too?
Here are 5 big benefits of smiling
1. Smiling can make you happier
Psychological research has shown that our facial expressions can have a small effect on our mood – if we scowl or frown we’re more likely to feel angry or sad, but a grin can trick the happy pathways of your brain into releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which give you a further boost and help reduce stress.
2. Smiling is infectious
Have you ever smiled at someone – your friend, a family member, or even a stranger – and noticed how they automatically smiled back? Granted, it doesn’t always work, they might be wondering why you’re grinning at them like a maniac, but we’re social creatures, so 9 times out of 10 they’ll respond with a smile.
Not only does your mood improve, but you’ve also improved someone else’s. And they may go on to smile at a few more people. Before you know it your gorgeous little grin is responsible for cheering up dozens of people!
3. Smiling helps to reduce pain
As well as encouraging our brains to release happy chemicals, research has shown that smiling also triggers a release of endorphins. These babies act as built-in painkillers and also have an anti-depressant effect. Laughing releases even more endorphins, so don’t hold back!
4. Smiling makes us more attractive
The smouldering, sultry look is all well and good but, to be honest, not everyone can carry it off. Have you ever tried it? Smiling requires minimal effort, with a much higher return – a smile is more likely to draw others to you and strike up a conversation. It also makes you look more youthful – happy days!
5. Smiling encourages positivity
In the words of Katherine Hepburn, “If you want to change attitudes, start with a change in behaviour”.
This is also the theory behind cognitive behavioural therapy – how we behave affects how we think, which in turn impacts how we feel.
So, by making a conscious effort to smile more, we could find ourselves thinking in a more positive way, which might make us feel more optimistic…… and when you feel more optimistic, who knows what you can achieve?