Smiling can have a major impact on your health and life—and there’s science behind it. Smiling has been shown to not only have positive psychological benefits, but benefits to health, mental adjustment and well-being as well.
Even if you aren’t feeling particularly happy, you can still benefit from smiling. It turns out that you don’t have to feel happy to smile and become happy. Smiling (even a fake one) causes a chemical reaction in the brain that somehow just makes you feel happier. One cosmetic dentist said, “Even forcing a fake smile can legitimately reduce stress and lower your heart rate.“
And there is some great evidence to support such ideas, like a study from the University of Cardiff in Wales that showed that the physical act of smiling (or at least not frowning) really matters for people’s happiness levels. This was evidenced by Botox patients who couldn’t frown even if they wanted to. On average, the patients showed more happiness than those who could frown at whim. And if you need another reason to smile, the action has also been connected to increased longevity.
But in an on-the-go world where it’s hard to make time to smell the roses, what can you do to trigger your smile, and boost your health? We’re glad you asked, because we’ve got 5 fast and easy ways to put a smile on your face and improve your happiness and life.
Give someone a hand
If you’ve ever volunteered to help someone in need, you’ve likely found yourself feeling great, even if you didn’t before. It’s science. Being a part of something and giving back not only improves happiness, but it may also help you live longer, lower blood pressure, reduce chronic pain and give you a sense of purpose. And along with that, knowing you’re improving someone’s world is definitely something to smile about.
Start moving
Exercise naturally releases Dopamine in the brain, a chemical that makes you feel oh-so-good and happy. And it can reduce your stress and anxiety levels and make you feel confident from the inside out.
Step out into the sunshine
Getting outdoors and into nature has been shown to improve mood and mental well-being. Plus, getting a bit of sun-time can help your body generate Vitamin D, which helps maintain good feelings and moods.
Eat happy
Food is a big part of our lives, and eating the right kind can help you feel your best both physically and mentally. Eating foods that contain mood-boosting nutrients can make you feel great. These foods include salmon, dark chocolate, fruit (like blueberries), veggies (like cooked spinach) and coffee or green tea. So eat well and feel happy!
Choose to see life in a better way
Real happiness begins with developing a sense of purpose and improving your vision for life. Do you see yourself as a victim or a victor? You can rethink and recast your vision to achieve a greater sense of purpose and confidence. And while you’re at it, you can improve your actual eyesight to enhance your actual vision too. More than a million people around the world are smiling because they’re seeing and experiencing their world better than ever, thanks to the most advanced (and minimally-invasive) laser vision correction procedure to date. Find out how to improve your vision now with SMILE (and trigger your own smile too).
Smiling is infectious. So start smiling and pass it along to everyone you see. You just might help make the world a happier, healthier place.
