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Smiles are the one universal language; they communicate friendliness, happiness, and joy no matter where you are in the world. Mother Theresa said: “I will never understand all the good a single smile can accomplish.” Being in the business of smiles ourselves, we are huge fans. So much so, that’s it’s in our name! The first Friday in October is World Smile Day, and we are so thankful to be an integral part of the smiles in our community.
A warm smile from a stranger can turn your day around. But did you know that smiling for yourself can have amazing health benefits? There are many ways in which smiling can greatly increase your quality of life. Here are five ways smiling can be beneficial for you and others.
1. Smiling can release endorphins and alleviate stress and anxiety.
Studies have shown that the act of smiling, even when you’re faking it, triggers our brains to release endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. These are neurotransmitters that elevate your mood and reduce anxiety and stress. Other studies have found that a smile, even a forced one, can create more positive emotions.
2. Smiling can reduce blood pressure.
Under stress, our heart rate increases and causes our blood pressure to rise. Research has shown that smiling and laughing initially increase our heart rate, but then relax the muscle and eventually cause the heart rate to decrease along with blood pressure.
3. Smiling can reduce pain.
Endorphins released from a smile can act as natural painkillers. In one study, patients given a shot had their pain levels analyzed, and it was discovered that those smiling reported half as much pain as those not smiling.
4. Smiling can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Blood pressure is a key risk factor to developing heart disease. By smiling more often and reducing your blood pressure, a smile a day could really keep the doctor away!
5. Smiling may help you live longer.
Though more research needs to be conducted on this theory, a 2010 study reported that genuine, intense smiling could be correlated with living a longer life. Even if this isn’t proven yet, we believe a nice smile never hurt anyone!
Have you smiled today? Last year was tough on the whole world, and some days it seems hard to find reasons to smile. Here are some helpful suggestions on how to fill your day with more grins.
- Get outside.
- Spending time out in nature will lift your mood and increase chances of a smile creeping onto your face.
- Perform an act of kindness.
- Helping others will put you in good spirits. The person you help will more than likely give you a smile, which you are bound to catch. Smiles are contagious after all!
- Read or watch something funny.
- Turn off the news and watch something lighthearted that makes you laugh.
- Schedule an appointment with your dentist.
- Yes, you read that right! Maybe the reason you don’t smile often is because you aren’t confident in the appearance of your smile. Simply Smiles can help with that! We can offer consultations on whitening treatments, cosmetic procedures, or on the overall health of your smile. Come in for an appointment, and we can promise to give you something to smile about!
Did you celebrate World Smile Day? What makes you smile? Tell us about it in the comments!
Sources:
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/world-smile-day-first-friday-in-october/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/ericsavitz/2011/03/22/the-untapped-power-of-smiling/?sh=1489b2947a67
https://www.verywellmind.com/top-reasons-to-smile-every-day-2223755
https://auraglow.com/blog/benefits-of-smiling/