To be honest when I first started thinking of this idea, I had NO idea how much actual research has been done on the science of smiling. What I found was even more powerful than what I had expected! What I am going to simply do here is to share some of these AMAZING benefits that smiling has for us personally and the impact that sharing a simple smile can have on the lives of those around us. In conclusion I have a shared the link to a relatively short video that truly shares the power of a smile not to just change a life, but to SAVE it.
We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do. Mother Teresa
Smile, it’s free therapy. Douglas Horton
They might not need me; but they might. I’ll let my head be just in sight; a smile as small as mine might be precisely their necessity. Emily Dickinson
I have witnessed the softening of the hardest of hearts by a simple smile. Goldie Hawn
A smile requires no translation.
No matter where we come from or the language we speak, a smile is able to bridge the gaps of culture and language and fosters understanding and connection. It is a gesture that transcends words, expressing warmth, and friendliness, Smiles are the universal language of connection, understanding, and acceptance.
Smiling is contagious.
I ask that you try a small exercise. At the top of this page is a picture of a girl with a beautiful, full of joy smile. I want you look at that picture for just a few seconds. However, as you do, imagine that she is there smiling at your where you are. Imaging that she is your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, etc. Did you find yourself involuntarily smiling?
Research suggests that smiles are actually contagious. Our brain notices and interprets other people’s facial expressions and will often mimic them. Thus, when you see someone else’s smile you unconsciously smile yourself.
You feel better when you smile.
There are actual physiological, hormonal reactions that occur when we smile. Smiling increases mood-enhancing hormones, endorphins. These hormones help to reduces overall blood pressure and can help reduce stress and pain.
Smiling and Emotional Well-being
Smiling is recognized as an outward expression of emotional well-being. It can be a powerful tool to lift our spirits, even in the midst of challenging times. When we choose to smile our focus shifts from negativity to positivity, allowing us to cultivate resilience and optimism. Smiling helps us realize the strength that we have with in and helps us overcome even the most difficult of situations.
Smiling Relieves Stress
As we all know when we are stressed, it shows up everywhere in our body, including showing up in our facial expressions. Not only does smiling help keep us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed, but it can actually help decrease stress. Remember we just noted that smiling impacts hormone levels. Well, it actually reduces the levels of cortisol, and adrenaline which are the hormones primarily associated with the stress response. So. believe it or not, putting on a “fake” smile when you don’t “feel it” can help reduce your stress and help you start feeling better. Hmmm, maybe there is something to that old statement, “Fake it till you make it.
Smiling Boosts the Immune System
When we take the last few points and put them together, a natural outcome is a boost to the immune system. Endorphins are Immune system boosters while cortisol, and adrenaline are immune system killers. It actuals stimulates a very interesting and beneficial cycle. When we smile it improves our immune system and thus we stay healthier and can ward off some Illness. The healthier we stay the less we are stressed. So we are happier and more content in our lives and smile even more.
Smiling can help you live longer.
What is the ultimate outcome of feeling better, decreased stress and an improved immune system? We live longer. According to multiple different research studies higher levels of optimism which as we have seen is directly related to smiling, is associated with decreased risk of early death for conditions like infection and cancer. Another study found that optimistic individuals had exceptional longevity of life.
Smiling Helps You Stay Positive
Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It’s hard, isn’t it? As mentioned earlier, Smiling even if it is forced an not genuine can cause to feel more positive and optimistic. A smile sends the message that “Life is good!” to your brain and, ultimately, the rest of your body.
Smiling and Social Connections
As noted, a smile is a smile in any language or culture. Smiles shared are the mortar that brings us all together socially. A simple smile expresses our openness and invites others to interact and connect with us. Smiling opens doors to new friendships, strengthens existing relationships, and cultivates a sense of community.
A smile can change someone’s day / life!
A genuine smile can brighten someone’s day and have a lasting impact. It has the power to uplift spirits. It reminds others that they are seen and valued and thus leads them to feel better about themselves and their situation. When we share a smile, it can make them smile and potentially sparking all of the other positives we have already discussed. A simple smile can brighten the darkest of days and lift the heaviest of hearts. NEVER underestimate the transformative power of a simple smile. (Don’t forget to watch the video in the email)
Making Others Feel Rewarded
In addition to feeling happiness, calmness, when we share a smile it also results in the other person also feeling fulfilled and content. Scientific studies have documented that when someone smiles at us, the part of our brain that controls feelings of reward is activated. This feelings acknowledgment and appreciation trigger additional emotional and physical positive effects, perpetuating the cycle of positivity.
The Ripple Effect: Spreading Joy and Positivity
Last, and certainly not least, when we smile and share that smile with others it not only perpetuates this positive cycle in us and thus in them creates a ripple effect. However, this ripple gets stronger as it goes out rather than weakening. One smile creates a chain reaction that touches one and inspires them to smile at another and so on and so on. Thus, the light of one candle of hope and positive energy is passed from one to another to another until the whole room is full of its light. Think of that, one smile can change the entire mood and atmosphere of a place.
