This post, 4 Amazing Benefits of Smiling originally titled Smile – Thought for the Every Day, was originally published in 2017 and has been completely updated in July 2023.
Do you hate to smile?
It’s too much work.
No one cares anyway.
It’s a waste of time.
No one ever smiles at you.
Or for that matter, back at you if you do?
It’s true, at least some of it, I know, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it anyway.
You never know, it might even remind someone that they’ve forgotten to smile that day.
Or, just maybe, it will remind them to take a step back from their busy day, stressful day, or depressing day (you never know) to receive a smile.
And that might just make their day.
We have no idea what any one person is going through at any given time.
So now let’s look at some of the other benefits of smiling!
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Benefits of Smiling
We all know a smile is a simple gesture that can brighten someone’s day, right?!
Did you know that it’s also incredibly beneficial for our own well-being?
In fact, there are numerous advantages of smiling that extend far beyond just improving our mood.
Check out these health benefits of smiling that can enhance our overall health and happiness.
Boost your Mood
One of the most immediate benefits of smiling is that it can boost our mood.
Smiling releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals that make us feel good.
These endorphins can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and they can also provide a natural high that helps us to feel more relaxed and content.
Physical Health
Not only does it help to improve our mood, smiling can also have a positive impact on our physical health.
Studies have shown that when we smile, our blood pressure and heart rate decrease, which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Smiling can also boost our immune system since it triggers the release of antibodies and other natural defenses that help fight illness and infection.
Improve Relationships
Smiling is also an effective way to improve our social relationships.
When we smile at someone, we communicate warmth, friendliness, and approachability.
This can help us to form new connections with others, and it can also strengthen existing relationships by creating a positive and supportive atmosphere.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Finally, smiling is an excellent way to reduce stress and anxiety.
When we feel stressed or anxious, our body releases cortisol.
Cortisol is a hormone that can be harmful to our health if it stays too high in our bodies for too long.
Smiling can help to reduce the levels of cortisol in our body, which can help us to feel more relaxed and at ease.
In Conclusion
The effects of smiling are numerous and far-reaching.
From improving our mood and physical health to strengthening our social connections and reducing stress, there are many reasons to make smiling a part of our daily routine.
So the next time you or someone around you is feeling down or stressed out, take a moment to smile – your body and mind, and theirs, will thank you for it!
Now, you might say, why is it my responsibility to brighten someone else’s day, what about my day?
Well, I say, give it a try.
It doesn’t cost you anything, no extra time, no money just a few muscle movements that might even brighten your day in doing so.
And if that still doesn’t convince you then do it for yourself, to know that you brightened someone else’s day and that was your doing.
So, I know it sounds cheesy but just try and practice it.
Smile at yourself.
Smile at your loved ones.
Smile at your pets.
Smile while you’re on the phone.
Smile to people walking by.
Smile to your coworkers.
Smile to the bank teller.
Smile at the cashier.
Not working? Think of a happy thought.
Something that’s happened in your life, something you dream will happen in your life, something that’s happened in someone else’s life.
Still not working? Read the comics, look through pictures, or find cute baby animal pictures online.
And if all else fails….. There is always tomorrow.
We all have bad days and you’re allowed to, just remember not to stay there!
So, go out there and smile at the world!
