Although you may not realize it, your smile is one of the most powerful tools you have. With the ability to transform your own day, as well as other people’s, you can rely on your smile to motivate, inspire, and encourage. Now we’re talking about the mental health benefits of smiling more. Never underestimate the power of a smile.
Your smile can also have a knockout effect on your outlook and behavior, which means you can use it to enhance every aspect of your life. To learn more, take a look at just how powerful your smile is:
The 4 benefits of smiling:
1. Get other people beaming too
When you smile, it’s utterly infectious – in a good way! Studies show that when we see someone smiling, we return the same facial expression more often than not. Often, we do this subconsciously, so you may not be aware of the impact a smile can have.
2. Enhance your health
Smiling triggers our bodies to release endorphins and cortisol, which can have a positive impact on our physical and emotional health and well-being. Known as the ‘feel-good’ hormone, endorphins can boost your mood, while cortisol can help to reduce blood pressure and inflammation.
3. The benefits of smiling also include lower stress
Tiny molecules in the brain, known as neuropeptides, also release when you smile. These help decrease your stress levels.
That can, in turn, reduce the risk of experiencing stress-related systems, including anxiety, worry, and insomnia. People often assume that smiling is a sign of happiness but, in actual fact, smiling can be the cause of a happier mood.
4. Exercise facial muscles
You may have heard that smiling requires the use of fewer muscles than frowning. While this is true, when you smile, it allows you to exercise facial muscles that might otherwise grow weak.
Think of smiling as a workout for your facial muscles. Be sure to incorporate it into your daily wellness regime.
Transform your smile
With so many benefits associated with smiling, it’s something everyone should do more of. Despite the positive impact smiling can have on yourself and others, many people are self-conscious about their smile.
Fortunately, there are ways you can enhance your smile and boost self-confidence. For example, floss and brush regularly to boost your smile.
Then there’s cosmetic dentistry, which offers an array of treatments designed to help you enjoy your smile. With experienced professionals like Dental Expert Dr. Mike Lakota, you can find out which treatments are best for you. From teeth whitening and straightening to veneers and dental implants, a little dental work could give you a lifelong smile.
Takeaway on the health benefits of smiling
When a smile has such a remarkable effect, it’s a shame not to make the most of it. If you want to inspire confidence, provide reassurance, or pave the way towards new friendships, a smile is always the way to go.
Of course, you don’t have to wait until you’re in the company of others to start smiling. Smiling regularly throughout the day is a way to remind yourself to be grateful, positive, and sincere.
Furthermore, making a smile a vital part of your day can reset your outlook. That leads to a happier, healthier, and more tranquil life. Never underestimate the power of a smile.
Very nice and uplifting post Christy! It’s true smile is the only curved line that makes everything else straight .So true that it is infectious and probably make us see things in a different perspective. As for the facial muscles had read somewhere about smiling often can lead to laugh lines as you get older which are better than frown lines :)
I think laugh lines are beautiful! As are you, my friend :)