Why Is Smiling Good For Your Health?
There is nothing quite as charismatic as a genuine smile. Countless scientific studies have proved that a cheerful facial expression with a strong smile will always make a face appear more attractive.
A captivating smile can also help people be more successful in life or at work. The confidence that a bright smile exudes is infectious, and difficult to ignore.
A simple smile can elevate your mood, as well as the mood of those around you. However just as importantly, the simple act of smiling has several short and long-term benefits on people’s health and well-being.
1. Smiling makes us more attractive
It is well known that we are drawn more towards people who smile. There is a real physical attraction factor linked to the act of smiling.
Negative facial expressions, such as frowns or grimaces, work in the opposite manner. In fact, they will push people away.
2. Smiling will make you seem more successful
It’s all about confidence.
Studies have shown that people who smile often are more likely to be successful in job interviews. They are seen to be more approachable and also have a higher chance of being promoted in a work place. People will react more positively towards each other when they smile during business meetings and appointments.
3. Smiling boosts your immune system
Actually, it can boost your overall health.
Your brain releases several chemicals and neurotransmitters each time you smile, which makes you feel more relaxed. This feeling of relaxation helps your immune system to function more efficiently, keeping your body in a healthier state
4. Smiling lowers your blood pressure
There is actually a measurable difference in blood pressure results that are taken when you are smiling compared to when you are not. Give it a try!
5. Smiling Elevates our mood
The simple act of smiling activates neural messaging in your brain. When you smile, it is has the same affect as an anti-depressant on your body. Your brain gets triggered to release natural mood-boosting chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin.
Think of it as your body’s natural anti-depressant. So if you are feeling down, try to put on a smile – there is a good chance that your mood will change for the better.
6. Smiling makes us feel good
Smiling is like a natural drug.
We know that a smile can act as an antidepressant, but there is a little bit more to that still. The neurotransmitters that release each time we smile include endorphins, natural pain killers as well as serotonin. They help to relax your body as well as reduce physical pain. So not only are we in a better mood, but we also feel good from head to toe.
7. Smiling makes us look younger
Who doesn’t want to look more youthful?
The muscles we use to smile lift your face, giving it a younger appearance
8. Smiling reduces stress
When we are stressed, we look tired and worn down. In stressful situations, our heart rate often rises and makes us feel overwhelmed.
A simple smile can make you look less tired and make your feel better, and it will also lower your heart rate. Try it next time you are stuck in a traffic jam or behind someone annoying in the grocery line
9. Smiling is contagious
How often have you heard of a smile that has the power to lighten up the room? There is some truth in this saying. Smiling not only has the power to elevate your mood, but it can also change the moods of others and make things happier.
Your brain has the ability to automatically put a smile on your face, without you even thinking about it. This means that smiling can be completely unconscious, which is what happens when we see someone smile. Our brain takes over and we mimick that person’s smile. Yes, it is scientifically proven that smiles are “contagious!”
10. Smiling makes you stay positive
Even when a smile feels unnatural or forced, it still sends the brain and ultimately the rest of our body the message that “Life is Good!” Stay away from depression, stress, and worry by smiling.