What is a smile and what can it do?

According to the dictionary, a smile is a facial expression that we show to express and extend our happiness. What it can do may surprise you. According to scientists, smiling can change your brain chemistry and affect the way you think.

The science behind smiling

Have you ever tried to hold a pencil between your teeth? Researchers have proved that intentionally exercising your facial muscles (the zygomaticus major and orbicularis oculi muscles) can make you feel better even when you are sad. When your facial muscles contract, they signal the brain to release endorphins, the “happy hormones” that generate a sense of well-being. When your brain feels happy, you smile; when you smile, your brain feels happy.

Smiling Reduces Stress
The hormones released when you smile can also reduce stress, so there may well be wisdom in the age-old advice to “grin and bear it,” or “laugh it out.” Smiling reduces the stress that your body and mind feel in much the same way as a good sleep or filled stomach do. Smiling generates positive emotions, which is why you may feel happier around children who smile more.

Smiling By The Numbers

Statistics show that more than 30% of us smile more than twenty times a day and less than 14% of us smile less than 5 times a day. And if you’re wondering children kids generally seem happier than adults, it could be due to the fact that kids smile as often as 400 times a day.

Smiling Is a Conversation Starter
Smiling is an easy and universal way to start a conversation. It is difficult to frown when someone smiles at you. Smiling is contagious and you subconsciously smile when you see another person smiling, even if it is a stranger. So, the next time you wish to speak to a person and aren’t sure how to start, just smile!
A smile can make you look more attractive, trustworthy, and approachable. It is the easiest way to start a conversation. It is an uncomplicated way to boost your mood. The reasons to smile can be infinite.