JUST SMILE :)

"A smile is a facial expression formed by flexing the muscles near both ends of the mouth and by flexing muscles throughout the mouth. Among humans, it is an expression denoting pleasure, sociability, happiness, or amusement. Smiling is something that is understood by everyone despite culture, race, or religion; it is internationally known. Cross-cultural studies have shown that smiling is a means of communication throughout the world".....Wikipedia

How often do you smile during a day? And when I say smiling, I don't mean sending a smiley face icon, or an LOL or a LMAO. I mean a  real, on the face smile! Are you smiling most of the time or hardly any of the time? When you walk down the street are you smiling? When you are engaging with staff, with your boss, with a store clerk, or a barrista are you smiling? 

I would suggest that when I look at the folk on public transit, in my rear-view mirror, in the line to get coffee, it seems that many people have forgotten to smile. 

The great thing is that when you smile at others, there is a mirroring response, which most often results in other people smiling back at you and that even heightens the effect of feeling happy and joyful.

I recently read an  article by Mark Stibich PhD, that provides eight physiological reasons for smiling

1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive

We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away -- but a smile draws them in

2. Smiling Changes Our Mood

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.

3. Smiling Is Contagious

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. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.

4. Smiling Relieves Stress

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.

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System

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.

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure

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?

7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin

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

8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger

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.

 Even Nat King Cole caught onto the benefits of smiling with his iconic song "Smile":

Light up your face with gladness 

Hide every trace of sadness 

Although a tear may be ever so near 

That's the time you must keep on trying 

Smile, what's the use of crying? 

You'll find that life is still worthwhile 

If you just smile 

So give yourself a challenge today, just go out and smile. I guarantee that by this evening you will feel great and you will have also made many other people feel better. Make smiling a habit and you'll be surprised at the results!

A lot of reward for a little effort!