The 7 Benefits of Smiling

Did you know that the smile is one of the most distinctive social expressions of human beings, since it improves your self-esteem, increases confidence and facilitates relationships with people?

It also reduces the level of cortisol in the body, one of the hormones that cause anxiety, that is, it lowers stress levels; laughter therapy treatments are being used more and more every day, since a positive state of mind is essential to face many difficult situations, for example, in people suffering from high cholesterol or diabetes, it also lowers blood pressure.

It is proven that smiling makes the muscles of the face contract, an action that, instead of producing wrinkles —as most people think—, tones our skin, improving its appearance and, therefore, our appearance in the social, work or familiar, because we transmit good energy and well-being.

Your smile favours you more than you imagine. Although it seems like a small thing, it can improve your health, your self-esteem, your social life and your image.

It's contagious

How to improve your mood and someone else's at the same time? Smiling! When you smile at someone, that person will smile back at you. Why? This happens thanks to the fact that the body has "mirror neurons" that act when we observe certain movements in another person. Luckily, smiling is one of those movements that our body repeats!

boost your creativity

Scientists from the University of California have shown that those who think positive are more capable of finding creative solutions to different challenges, compared to those who have negative thoughts. According to this study, happiness generates dopamine that gives us greater control over our minds, boosting our ability to make decisions, and learn and process information.

Improve your relationships

As the definition of the word says, smiling offers a cheerful aspect. This aspect makes us more attractive and reliable, which is essential to building, nurturing and strengthening our relationships with those around us. A good relationship with our peers is essential for our physical and emotional health. If you want to improve your social life, show your smile!

Increase our productivity

Smiling not only improves our social performance but also at work. Staying positive at work increases our productivity and improves our work ethic. Take the time to take small actions that make you smile during your work hours, and you will see the difference in your performance.

Release Stress

Smiling can release stress. In an experiment carried out by psychologists at the University of Kansas, more than 100 students were tested whether smiling made them happy or not. During the experiment, half of the students were asked to genuinely smile while engaging in various stressful activities. The other half performed the same activities but with neutral facial gestures. After each activity, the heart rate of each student was measured. The result? The students who smiled recovered from stress much better and faster than those who did not.

Smiling changes your mindset

Shawn Achor wrote in his book “The Happiness Advantage” that making an effort to smile daily allows our brains to produce healthy and happy patterns, allowing us to think positively for longer. The author said that happiness requires mental training, just as an athlete must train to work on his physical performance.

Release Endorphins

Do you know that feeling when you finish training or when you eat your favourite food? Would you believe me if I told you that you can feel it when you smile? This incredible feeling is generated when the body releases endorphins, a chemical that makes us feel sunny inside. You don't need to spend money on elaborate dishes or dress up in sportswear and go out to train, just with a smile you can feel just as good!

Smiling is free and brings with it many more benefits than those mentioned. The next time you want to show gratitude, smile! The next time you want to face your day more positively, smile!

Use this universal language of happiness to improve your mood and the one around you. Your body, your mind and your spirit will thank you.