Have you ever smiled while facing a major difficulty or experiencing intense stress? Your answer is probably, “Not at all.”
Yet smiling may be one of the best things we can do in such situations. Several studies conducted on the subject have led researchers to this conclusion.
What is particularly interesting is that even a deliberate smile may be helpful. Simply smiling can make the brain respond as though we are happy, encouraging the release of feel-good chemicals such as endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. It may also reduce levels of cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone.
British researchers have found that the stimulation a single smile gives the brain is equal to that produced by 2,000 bars of chocolate.
Helps lower blood pressure
Helps slow the heart rate
Improves endurance
Reduces pain
Increases productivity
Strengthens the immune system
If a simple smile can bring such remarkable benefits to the mind and body, should we not smile more often every day?
Whenever stress builds in life, take it as a reminder to smile broadly.
You can use the following moments to smile more throughout the day and gradually turn it into a habit:
When you wake up in the morning
While taking a bath
When you feel deeply upset or under mental pressure
When your mind is filled with negative thoughts
I have made it a habit to stand before the mirror and smile at myself after waking up in the morning. It helps me begin each day on a positive note. It also helps keep negative thoughts at a distance.
Smiling may not dramatically change your state of mind or instantly bring joy when you are distressed. However, there is little doubt that this simple action can help stop you from slipping further into a negative state of mind and help you become more positive.
Smiling for no particular reason is good. But smiling at other people is even better and more effective.
A smile can quickly spread from one person to another. It is one of the easiest ways to spread positivity and, in turn, make others happier and healthier.
Studies also suggest that smiling can make us appear more attractive, help others like us more, and make us seem more trustworthy and capable.
A smile is not the answer to every problem. But this simple act can redirect our energy, even if only slightly, and make a significant difference to our day.
Try it now. Smile as openly and broadly as you can for 15 seconds, and see what happens.
