"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy"
It may seem like a small and insignificant thing to do, but smiling can have a powerful impact on both your mental and physical health.
Not only does it make you feel happier and more positive, but it also has the power to change how others perceive you.
Smiling is a simple act of kindness that can brighten someone's day, and with all the negativity and stress in the world, we could all use a little more kindness. So, did you smile today?
Did you spread that kindness to someone - or more importantly look in the mirror, smile at yourself, and give yourself that kindness?!
Let's take a look at why you need to make smiling in the mirror (and at others) a daily habit!
Smiling makes you feel happier
When you smile, you activate the release of feel-good neurotransmitters such as
- dopamine,
- serotonin, and
- endorphins.
These are the same chemicals that are released when you exercise, eat chocolate, or fall in love.
Smiling also reduces the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can help reduce anxiety and tension and increase overall feelings of well-being.
Smiling makes you more confident & friendly
A study has shown that people were rated as more approachable when they smiled compared to when they had a neutral expression or frown. Smiling makes you appear more confident, friendly, and open, which can lead to more positive social interactions and opportunities.
Smiling is contagious
When someone sees you smile, it can trigger a mirror neuron response in their brain, which causes them to smile too. This is why smiling is often described as contagious. When you spread positivity and joy with your smile, you can have a ripple effect on others around you.
Smiling can improve your overall health
Studies have shown that people who smile frequently have better immune function, recover from illness faster, and live longer. This may be because the act of smiling reduces stress, which can have a negative impact on the immune system and overall health.
Smiling can improve your mindset
When you make a conscious effort to smile, even when you don't feel like it, you can improve your mindset and perspective. Smiling can help you focus on the positive aspects of your life and shift your mindset towards gratitude and appreciation.
So, did you smile today?
If not, take a minute and do it right now.
It may seem small, but the act of smiling can have a powerful impact on your mental and physical health, as well as those around you.
Make it a daily habit to smile more, even if you have to fake it at first. Eventually, it will become a natural reflex and you'll be spreading positivity and joy wherever you go.
Let's make the world a brighter place, one smile at a time :)
Naomi xo
