Have you had a good grin today? There are more reasons than you would think for smiling your head off, even when you don’t quite feel up to the task. I’m revisiting the benefits of a great smile, because it can’t be underestimated! Here’s why:

Smiling enhances our attractiveness

We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor, which means we want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good about their lives! Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away, but a smile draws us in to others, because there happiness within is showing.

A grin can change our mood for the better

Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There’s a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood to happiness.

It’s infectious!

When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. As the song goes, smile, and the world smiles with you!

Smiling is a stress buster

Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you’ll be better able to take action.

Your immunity is enhanced by smiling

Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves, possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the ‘flu and colds by smiling – nature’s own healer.

Blood pressure can be lowered by a big grin

When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

Smiling releases lots of happy chemicals in to your bloodstream

Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

You look younger when you smile

The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don’t go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day – you’ll look younger, and feel better and much happier.

It supports you in your business dealings

Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

Smiling actively helps you to stay happy

Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It’s hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that ‘Life is Good!’ Reduce depression, stress and worry by smiling.

A number of research projects support these facts – one study, conducted by Levenson and Friesen, found that involuntary biological changes similar to those caused by emotions were experienced by people who were asked to ‘make’ certain faces. A person told to make an angry face experienced increased blood flow to the hands and feet, which is also seen in those who are experiencing anger. Participants from another study involving posed faces reported more favorable impressions of other people when they were asked to smile.

So what does all of this mean? Well, smiling causes smiling. If you are feeling grouchy, try having a good grin. People will smile back, you’ll feel better, they’ll feel better – what do you have to lose?

If you are at work or out in the world I challenge you to count the number of people you see with smiles on there faces.  Let me know how they made you feel when seen that smiling face.

Debbie