Plenty of Reasons to Smile

We’ve all heard statements like “Smile – it improves your face value.” Or “You’re never fully dressed without a smile.” The truth is smiling has lots of benefits to your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Consider these reasons to flash people your pearly lights a little more often:

It’s contagious. Have you ever noticed that when someone smiles, it lights up a room? People are drawn to the positive energy created by a warm, inviting smile.
Smiling lifts your mood. When you feel sad or unhappy, try smiling. This technique can help you trick your body and mind into having a more positive attitude.
You can relieve stress by smiling. Often, fear, concern, and worry show through our facial expressions. The simple act of smiling can ease tension and help you focus on taking necessary action.
Give your immune system a boost. People often smile when they feel more relaxed, which may help explain why smiling improves the function of your immune system. An active immune system fights off illness and keeps you healthy.
Look younger with a smile. The muscles involved when you smile actually lift the face, which contributes to a youthful appearance. Who needs plastic surgery? Just try smiling more frequently.
Your blood pressure will be lower. If you have a blood pressure cuff at home or the next time you go to the grocery store, try this simple test. Take a reading, wait a few minutes, start smiling, and then take another reading. Could you see a difference?
Smiling Releases Natural Pain Killers. Consider smiling nature’s drug because it releases endorphins, serotonin, and pain killers that make people feel better.