I went for a doctor’s appointment recently and as I walked up the sidewalk to the front entrance, another senior lady joined me. I smiled at her and said, “Lovely day, isn’t it?” She returned the smile and we struck up a conversation regarding my brilliant, multi-colored skirt. Her purse was yellow and she thought it would look very nice with my skirt. Then we talked about my bright orange sweater and my orange shoes. When we entered the building, the two receptionists commented on how beautiful my skirt was, and my new senior friend showed them how well her purse matched it, and I added how nice it went with my orange sweater and shoes.
As we talked, I noticed that we were smiling and giggling. Maybe there’s something to the conclusion that orange represents joyfulness to humans, but I think it had something to do with our smiles.
Of all the viruses, infections, and diseases that we can so easily catch as we associate together, a smile is one contagious item that no one minds catching. A smile can make a friend out of a stranger. It can chase away fear, and make a person feel cared for.
Smiling affects the body and mind in some very positive ways, benefiting your health, your mood, and the mood of those around you.
There are three types of smiles (who knew): reward, affiliation, and dominance.
Reward conveys approval, happiness, and contentment.
Affiliation communicates positive intention, trustworthiness, belonging, and social connection.
Dominance conveys contempt and superiority. These smiles have shown that they increase the cortisol (stress hormone) level in recipients of this type of smile.
Smiling might even help you to live longer, if it is a genuine, intense smile. Happy people, those who smile all the time, enjoy better health and longevity, but we don’t yet know exactly why. So, smiling may be something you’d like to keep as part of a healthy lifestyle.
The physical act of smiling activates the release of prolactin, vasopressin, and oxytocin (whew!). It also causes the release of dopamine and serotonin. “Think of smiling as a natural anti-depressant.”
“A merry heart does good, like medicine … .” Proverbs 17:22, first part
Smiling releases the body’s natural pain killers—endorphins, which, together with serotonin, elevates the mood, relaxes the body, and reduces physical pain.
And finally, ladies this one is for you. A smile will draw people to you. And smiling makes you more attractive. “Step aside, Botox.” “On your way face lifts, we don’t need you.” The muscles we use to smile lift the face and make a person appear younger and more attractive.
Smiling
- Relieves anxiety
- Boosts your mood
- Strengthens relationships
- Releases endorphins
- Increases serotonin
- Promotes relaxation
- Fosters compassion
- Expresses gratitude
- Boosts the immune system
- Lowers blood pressure
There are many troubles that will burst like bubbles,
There are many shadows that will disappear,
When you learn to meet them, with a smile to greet them,
For a smile is better than a frown or tear.
When the clouds are raining, don’t begin complaining,
What the earth is gaining should not make you sad;
Do not be a fretter, smiling is much better,
And a smile will help to make the whole world glad.
You can smile when you can’t say a word,
You can smile when you cannot be heard,
You can smile when its cloudy or fair,
You can smile any time, anywhere.
“If we look on the bright side of things, we shall find enough to make us cheerful and happy. If we give smiles, they will be returned to us; if we speak pleasant, cheerful words, they will be spoken to us again.” Mind, Character, and Personality, Vol. 2, 758
Source: verywellmind.com/top-reasons-to-smile-every-day