Although laughter is considered the best medicine, sometimes a simple smile can be enough.
Research has shown that smiling can reduce anxiety, improve relationships and even lower your risk of developing heart disease. There are 7 psychological and physical benefits to smiling, such as:
Endorphins are released
Alleviates stress
Lowers blood pressure
Immune system strengthening
Enhances endurance
Reduces pain
It boosts your mood
1. Endorphins are released
Endorphins can be described as happy hormones. Endorphins can make us feel happy and warm inside. Your body releases endorphins and dopamine when you smile. These neurotransmitters are a happy hormone that can elevate your mood, reduce stress and relax your body.
We flex our facial muscles when we smile. This motion tells the brain that we are smiling, which in turn triggers endorphin release. This theory is called the facial-feedback hypothesis. It states that facial expressions communicate our feelings to others and to ourselves.
Smile to start your day. Smiles can be contagious, especially when your feeling confident. Smiles activate neuronal activity in the brain, which triggers a synchronizing feature. One smile can bring many smiles not only for yourself but for those around you.
When you smile, your brain releases neuropeptides. These molecules are important in combating stress. Dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins are also important. The mild pain-relieving effects of endorphins and serotonin are due to their roles as antidepressants. One study According to research, smiling can help you reduce stress levels and speed up your recovery from it. Try smiling to see what happens. Studies have shown that smiling can improve your mood and happiness. If you have anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor immediately.
2. Alleviates Stress
It is easy to think positively and focus on your breath when you are stressed. Chris Norris is a Neurologist and Psychiatrist. He introduces a new way to relieve stress: smiling. He says that smiling even when you're not happy, or even when you're sad can help you cope with stressful times.
We mentioned that smiling can signal to the brain to release endorphins. It also signals the brain to release neuropeptides, tiny proteins that help reduce stress.
3. Lowers blood pressure
Stress can cause an increase in heart rate and raise blood pressure. Smiling can lower blood pressure, just as smiling in a stressful situation can lower stress levels. Chris Norris says that smiling and laughing can help lower blood pressure.
4. Enhances Endurance
Dr. Velikova states that perception of effort is a key factor in athletic endurance. This refers to how hard your body feels like it is working, no matter how hard it actually is. She continues to state that smiling can increase athletic performance and decrease perceived effort.
A study showed that runners use less energy when they smile through their runs. The researchers also discovered that runners felt more effort when they frowned during runs than when they smiled. Try putting on a humorous podcast next time you work out to see how it makes you feel.
5. Reduce Pain
Our bodies release natural painkillers called endorphins when we laugh. These endorphins are moderately pain-relieving. Sarah Pressman, a UCI professor in psychological science, conducted a study that looked at the effects of different emotions on pain and discomfort.
The pain associated with the injection of a needle was no greater than that experienced when you get a flu shot. The injection felt half as painful for those who smiled during it than those who did not smile. What does this mean? It is possible that there could be a correlation between your facial expression and pain. Next time you go in for a shot, smile and keep your face open. This might help.
6. Boosts Mood
We smile when we're happy, and frown when we're sad. These actions directly correlate with the emotion. According to some studies, smiling can make your brain believe you are happy. According to psychologists from the University of Cardiff, people who have had Botox injections that made it difficult for them to smile reported feeling happier than those who can smile normally.
American Psychological Association published another study that found smiling, even if forced, can produce more positive emotions. Studies have also shown that frowning can cause you to feel unhappy. You may feel happier if you smile next time you feel down. If you are suffering from anxiety or depression, or if you have persistent symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare provider.
7. Stabilizes Relationships
Smiles go a long way. Smiles can make you smile and help you achieve your professional goals. Research shows that people who feel positive and are happier are more likely achieve their goals in work and everyday life.
Another study showed that smiling people are perceived as more likable and therefore can form better relationships. A second study, published in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, found that smiling and positive expressions predict better outcomes in life. This includes happier marriages and greater satisfaction.
Don't let simple things hold you back from smiling like not having perfectly white teeth. It's easy to solve this issue by using whitening strips a few times a month. It's affordable and the health benefits are extraordinary.
