Why smile? Why not? I am smiling writing about smiling. Has anyone ever looked at your and said quit smiling? I sure hope not. As a dentist, I want you to show your healthy teeth, and smile as much as you can. Smiling not only benefits you, but also those around you. Take a look at this list of reasons to smile.
SMILING…
- IS ATTRACTIVE AND MAKES YOU LOOK YOUNGER. Smiling is a natural facelift! Your face is lifted and you immediately look younger when you smile. Look in the mirror and frown then smile. Which looks younger?
- CHANGES YOUR MOOD. A smiling face stimulates a dopamine response. Dopamine is our reward or pleasure neurotransmitter, it provides us with feelings of pleasure to ensure we will repeat behaviors needed for survival.
- IS CONTAGIOUS. Smile and see if people smile back at you.
- REDUCES STRESS. Stress often times shows on our faces. Smiling has a positive impact on the balance of neurotransmitters, calming your nervous system and stabilizing your mood in the midst of everyday stressors.
- BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM. Stress causes your immune system to lower and makes your body more susceptible to catching a cold or developing the flu. Smiling can keep your body relaxed and happy, leading to a healthier body.
- LOWERS YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE. Back to the stress factor. Lower stress means lower blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to headaches, stroke or even heart attacks.
- CREATES ENDORPHINS. A smile stimulates the creation of endorphins, the neurotransmitters that relieve pain, heighten self-esteem, create mild euphoria. Endorphins are best known for their positive effects on mood after physical activity. For runners, it’s the runners high. Just think how great a smiling runner must feel!
- IS A NATURAL ANTI-DEPRESSANT. When you smile, you feel better. When we smile, our brain releases serotonin, which leads to having a positive and happy mindset. Serotonin plays a role in your body temperature, sleep, pain, mood and appetite and improves self-esteem, our sense of well-being.
