Whether you like to call it a smirk, grin, or smile, you can’t deny that smiling has the power to boost your mood and help you feel good. The ability to smile is something we are born with, but as we age, on average people tend to smile less and less. Studies have shown that children smile about 400 times a day, whereas most happy adults only smile 40-50 times daily. Smiling is important because it informs others of our feelings and boosts our mood. What many people don’t know is that smiling also has many amazing health benefits such as:
Smiling Helps You Live Longer
One of the most important reasons to smile often is that it might actually lengthen your life. A study in 2010 discovered that intense and genuine smiling is related to a longer life. In general, sincerely happy people average better health and longevity, though there is more research required to fully understand why that is. Studies do suggest that smiling and happiness could increase lifespan by several years. The research agrees that maintaining a happy, positive mood is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle.
Smiling Results in Stress Relief
When we are experiencing stress, it can take over our entire body and can reveal itself on our faces. When we smile, it prevents us from looking tired, worn out, or overwhelmed and in turn, it can also help relieve our stress. Even a fake smile can reduce stress, so next time you are feeling overwhelmed, try out a smile and reap the benefits.
Elevates your Mood
The physical act of smiling activates the pathways in your brain that affect your emotional state. This means that by putting on a smile, you can fool your brain into adopting a genuine state of happiness. Smiling releases feel-good chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin, which also boost your mood. You could even think of smiling as a natural and simple anti-depressant.
Smiles are Contagious
It’s not just a cliche, smiles truly can light up a room. Smiling can not only change your own mood, but it can also improve the moods of others. By nature, your brain notices and interprets the facial expressions of others and sometimes it tells us to mimic them. This means that when you see a smile on someone else’s face, you might unconsciously smile yourself. It is scientifically proven that smiles are indeed contagious!
Smiling Boosts your Immune System
Research has found that smiling regularly can also help to boost your health by supporting your immune system to function more efficiently and effectively. This is because when you smile, your immune function improves due to increased relaxation. Whether you are trying to strengthen your immune system for the upcoming winter or boost your overall health, try making an effort to smile more often!
Smiling Reduces Pain
There has been a lot of research that has shown that smiling helps the release of endorphins and serotonin which are natural pain killers. These brain chemicals work together to help us feel good all over. Not only do these chemicals elevate your overall mood, but they also help to relax your entire body and reduce physical pain and inflammation. It’s true – smiling is a natural drug.
Smiling Attracts People to You
Part of human nature is being unconsciously attracted to those that smile. Other facial expressions such as a glare or scowl work to drive people away, but smiling is seen as attractive because it indicates happiness and confidence.
Not only can smiling make you more approachable and attractive to others, but it can also make you appear more vibrant and youthful. The muscles that are needed for smiling also lift the face, resulting in a younger appearance.
At Stonegate Dental, we understand that some people are shy or embarrassed by their smile due to untreated or unresolved dental issues. Our staff and dentists are dedicated to helping each and every one of our clients achieve their best smile possible. Let us help you get back on the road to smiling with confidence so you can reap the many rewards of showing off your brilliant smile. Contact our Guelph’s dentist office today so we can tell you how we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
