A smile is a universal language. It has the power to make people safe, comfortable, and connect on a personal level even if they are strangers. Genuine smiles also have the ability to transcend whatever differences people may have, and give them a chance to bond over their similarities.
The act of smiling is beneficial both to the doer and the receiver because it has physical, emotional, as well as physiological effects that are good for their well-being. On the other hand, frowning can lead to down moods, stress, and sometimes, contribute to depression.
There are many benefits that you can get from smiling. For starters, a great smile is the best accessory any person can wear because it lights up their face and lifts their mood. Besides, there aren’t many reasons for you to not smile unless it’s appropriate, so smile.
Promotes Good Dental Hygiene
Smiling more often can improve your dental hygiene, not because of the benefits linked to doing the act, but because you will become more conscious about caring for your teeth. People who choose to hide their teeth and smile less may be doing so out of embarrassment.
There are many reasons why people can be worried about their teeth and opt not to smile. It can be because they have crooked, discolored, misaligned, or decaying teeth. Other reasons may be due to gum disease, bad breath, or more serious conditions.
But there are plenty of ways to deal with such problems. For instance, people suffering from discoloration can use teeth whitening gels or natural remedies so that they can show off their pearly whites. Another way is to consult dentists on possible solutions to resolve more serious problems.
Through the act of smiling, you can become more aware of the condition of your mouth and teeth. You may also be more inclined to maintain healthy dental habits and get to your appointments at the dentist.
Boosts Your Confidence and Self-esteem
Having a good smile can boost your confidence and self-esteem. It can also show other people that you are approachable and friendly on social occasions, or provide much-needed comfort during anxiety-inducing situations.
The act of smiling itself can release endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which are hormones that can relieve your stress and elevate your mood instantly. Think of smiling like a natural anti-depressant that you can do each time you are feeling down.
People who smile often also appear more attractive, because humans are automatically drawn to friendly faces. So smile more. You never know how that simple gesture can make you more comfortable in your own skin and give you a more positive outlook on life.
Improves Your Overall Health
Smiling is known to be effective in lowering your blood pressure and heart rate. It can also make you appear younger than you actually are because you stimulate 17 facial muscles every time you smile, which is a good enough exercise for the face.
Experts believe that smiling can improve your immune system because of the neurotransmitters that are released during the act. These hormones make you feel more relaxed, which allows your immune functions to work more effectively.
Even fake smiles can work in favor of your body because the mere act of smiling can trick the brain into triggering your hormones. Once this happens, the possibility of actual happiness will follow due to the release of neurotransmitters. It’s like a never-ending cycle that can greatly benefit your overall health.
Brightens Any Room and Enthuses Other People
A big, sincere smile is contagious. It has the ability to lift the mood of people who can see it, and enthuse them to do the same. Seeing other people smile despite everything going on in the world can be comforting and encouraging at the same time.
Smiles are powerful gestures that can light up any room. It doesn’t matter if the people who are smiling are doing it consciously or not — it still has the same effect on others. This is because humans have mirror neurons that allow other people to mimic or reflect their visual gestures.
The world is already in too much pain and suffering to choose not to be happy every time you can. It’s also filled with so much negativity that a mere smile can’t get rid of. Sure, a smile can’t solve all your problems, but it can give you the confidence you need to face these situations head-on.
So when you need the energy to tackle an obstacle, choose to smile. When you’re dealing with the responsibilities weighing you down, do it with a smile. And when the burden on your shoulders is too much for you to handle, at least, try to smile. Maybe then, the hard things won’t be too difficult to face on your own.
