While we tend to smile throughout the Christmas holiday season, once the festivities are past, grey days and frowns seem to appear. But it does not need to be that way. Many see smiling simply as an involuntary response to things that bring you happiness. Nonetheless, smiling can also be a conscious choice.
According to research, happiness could extend your lifespan by a few years. Whether your smile is honest or not, it does act on your body and mind in various positive ways. This includes benefits for your health, your mood, and even those around you.
Physical Benefits
It is thought that when you smile, immune function improves because you are more relaxed. Additionally, smiling does have a beneficial impact on your blood pressure. Laughter specifically seems to lower blood pressure.
According to studies, serotonin and endorphins are released when you smile. Combined, these brain chemicals give us a feeling of well-being. Together, they help you feel better, relax, and suffer less physical pain. There is no natural drug like a smile.
Outward Benefits
Smiles benefit ourselves as well as those around us. If you smile at someone, they cannot help but smile back. So smiling is contagious. Smiling insinuates success, even when you do not feel it. Do people choose to be around a grouchy, frowny person? No. One wants to be in contact with a cheerful, uplifting person. May that be you! Smiling will keep you positive. Smiling makes your outer appearance appear brighter and cheerier, even if your mood does not match.
So as the dreary winter months continue on, try to squeak out a smile each day, for your health and for those around you.
