Smiles spread happiness! Smiles spread goodwill! Smiles spread the feeling of peace! People of every age, nationality, language, and race speak the universal language of a smile. These facts and other facts have been confirmed by studies conducted at several universities.
The brain does not know the difference between a fake smile and a smile that started in your heart. So, when you are not in a smiling mood, smile. Others will smile back. You will find your blasé attitude disappearing. This is because your entire body is affected in a positive way. Smiles tell your body: things are good, go ahead and relax, and there is no reason to be stressed. When your body thinks this, your heart rate slows down, your blood pressure lowers, and your brain feels happy. With each smile, the production of the stress hormone cortisol is reduced significantly. Smiling releases dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin into the bloodstream. These are good for you. In fact, endorphins are a natural pain killer. So, even though you don’t feel like smiling when you are in pain (who would), try to smile and you will find you can handle the pain easier. Sounds silly, but it works. Smiling also helps the immune system to function more efficiently with the release of neurotransmitters. Smiling can brighten your outlook on the future.
Another reason to smile is smiling can add years to your life. With each smile you exercise the facial muscles which lift the face; thus, smiles make you look younger and you appear more attractive. When you feel tired or depressed, a big smile will hide it from others.
People like to surround themselves with positive people. When you smile, people see that positive person; they see that person they want to be around and get to know better. They also see a confident person they can trust. They view a person who smiles as a fun-loving person and an optimistic person.
Smiles can be your friend in the work place. Your smile will make those around you feel comfortable and at ease. Smile when introduced to someone new. Smile when you are on an interview. Smile at your customers. Smile at business meetings. One thing to remember though, do not smile too much or at the wrong times. If you do, your smile will have a negative influence.
With the invention of the ultrasound, it was discovered babies smile in the womb. Why babies smile before birth has not been determined. Maybe they are thinking about all the pranks they are going to play on their parents! What is known though is, we do not have to learn to smile; smiling is a natural function.
We unconsciously smile when someone smiles at us. When you see an infant or young child smile at you, you spontaneously smile back. The smile isn’t planned, it just happens. Smiles are contagious. If you don’t believe it, just smile and watch others smile back!
