While this is undoubtedly true, it overlooks an important point: Smiling can be a conscious, intentionalchoice.
What does psychology say about smiling?
What Can Smiling Mean?
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One study found that genuine, intense smiling is associated with longer life.
Happy people seem to enjoy better health and longevity, but more research is needed to understand why.
When you are stressed, try intentionally putting a smile on your face.
It may help improve your mood and ability to manage the stress you are experiencing.
Smiling Elevates Mood
Smiling can also help make you feel happy.
Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile.
There’s a good chance your mood will change for the better.
It also causes the release ofneurotransmitterssuch as dopamine and serotonin, which can reduce anxiety and boost your mood.
Think of smiling as a natural antidepressant.
While it is certainly a beautiful sentiment, it carries a hint of truth.
Smiling not only can elevateyourmood, but it can also change the moods of others for the better.
That means you might spot someone else’s smile and unconsciously smile yourself.
Smiling May Lower Blood Pressure
Smiling could have a beneficial impact on your blood pressure.
If you have a blood pressure monitor at home, you might try testing this idea for yourself.
Sit for a few minutes and take a reading.
Then, smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling.
Do you notice a difference?
Warding off illness and staying healthier can also play a role in helping you feel less stressed.
Not only do they elevate your mood, but they also relax your body and reduce physical pain.
Smiling is a natural ‘high.’
Smiling Makes You Attractive
We are naturally drawn to people who smile.
You will draw more people to you, and ahealthy social connectednessis essential to our overall well-being.
Not only can smiling make you more attractive, but it can also make you look more youthful.
The muscles we use to smile also lift the face, making a person appear younger.
You might find that people react to you differently.
Smiling Helps You Stay Positive
Try this test: Smile.
Now, venture to think of something negative without losing the smile.
It’s hard, isn’t it?
Smiling can influence your feelings of positivity, even if it feels unnatural or forced.
Whether or not your smile is genuine, it still sends the message that “Life is good!”
to your brain and, ultimately, the rest of your body.
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