It is a universal symbol of happiness. Infants mirror their caregivers' smiles, and social smiling begins at around three months - even among those born deaf or without sight. Research has found that even the action of smiling can boost your mood.
When you smile, the happy hormones of dopamine and serotonin are released. You can fool the brain into thinking you are in good form by putting on a smile.
Smiling sends a signal to your body that you are happy, and so you then feel happier. It can be something you choose to do, just like conscious breathing techniques. Studies have found that when participants forced a smile, the amygdala in the brain was stimulated which released neurotransmitters to induce a positive emotional state.
Smiling has been linked to lowering blood pressure, reducing stress and it boosts the immune system.
Just like yawning, smiling is contagious and can have a positive effect on others. Recipients tend to mirror a smile and we are drawn to people who are smiling warmly. It is also a natural face-lift using the zygomaticus major (smiling muscle) and approximately 43 other facial muscles.
Sky News recently reported that people in Japan are signing up for lessons with 'Smile Education' coach Keiko Kawan to learn how to smile again after wearing face masks for so long. Many of those signing up are younger people who have not been used to using facial muscles. With tourism opening up again, there is a need for friendly customer service.
There are many types of smiles including polite smiles, nervous smiles, and the smirk. A 'Duchenne’ smile (the one that makes your eyes crinkle) is a sign of enjoyment. These true smiles are associated with marital happiness, wellness, and longevity.
Researchers found patients with depression show more ‘Duchenne’ smiles on discharge from than admission to psychiatric hospitals. Throughout the course of therapy, more were found as sessions went on. I find this in my own practice as I see more smiling and joking as people heal.
Real smiles are linked to laughter and having a good sense of humour. Laughter releases endorphins, increases oxygen intake, stimulates organs, and decreases blood pressure. It diffuses anger and helps to put problems into perspective.
Genuine smiles improve bonding and strengthen relationships. Laughter is linked to emotional well-being in couples. Smiles are an important part of communication within families, workplaces, and social encounters. They put people at ease and show friendliness and warmth.
However, smiling can be overdone, as is evident on social media. Younger people are smiling more due to orthodontics and expectations to appear happy and positive. It can also mask emotional turmoil or feign happiness too much.
It’s important that negative feelings are not suppressed, and have outlets. Others may not see the pain beyond the smile. It may communicate that you are comfortable with something you are not.
The smile needs to be used appropriately or it may portray you as being passive or sarcastic. Situational constraints may cause pressure on individuals such as certain jobs requiring constant smiling.
Boosting your smile
Put on a smile, as acting as if you’re happy can actually elevate your mood. However, it’s the authentic smile that will bring more chemical rewards. Find ways to be amused with funny movies, memories or people.
Lighten up the thoughts and try not to take it all too seriously. Your ways of thinking affect your mood and your body language. Try to keep your thoughts healthy, helpful, and accurate. Practice smiling in front of a mirror while thinking of amusing memories or people, and mentally list what you feel grateful for.
You might smile about something you are looking forward to or the beauty of nature and scenery. People tend to smile more when with children or babies. Bring a conscious awareness to it as well as to your breath.
Focus on smiling more. Put smile reminders on notes around your home or on your phone. Wake up and smile to the day and to life.
According to spiritual leader Thich Nhat Hanh, life is filled with suffering, but also many wonders and we can practice smiling when meditating. He said every time you smile through fear, it loses some of its strength. Smile more at people you encounter. Smiling is a simple way of improving emotional well-being.
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