Smile Awhile
In my journey for seeking and practicing a more positive lifestyle, I have noticed that I appreciate people when people smile. Have you ever noticed a person that makes eye contact with you and continues to scowl? It’s annoying. It’s just as annoying as the over the top cherry morning person that walks around telling everyone to “turn that frown upside down.”
I like to think that it’s possible to be pleasant without overdoing the perky persona. I have had people smile at me – strangers – and sappy it may be, but it gives me a nice feeling. It’s like they are taking time to recognize that I am a human being worth a pleasantry.
Because I like warm, friendly smiles I have adopted sharing the expression with people. I like to people watch and my mother taught me that staring is rude. If I attach a smile to my observing eye I think that it’s a win-win situation.
About.com has an article about longevity and gives 10 great reasons to smile. Smiling gives us confidence and even releases endorphins to make us feel good naturally. I guess all of those visits to the orthodontist were definitely worth the trips.
The same article also suggests that smiling puts us in a better mood, relieves stress, and makes us more attractive. Smiling is also said to improve the mood of others. If I can look better, feel better, and put somebody in a better mood just by flashing my pearly whites then I’m all for it. -ed =D
Reasons to Smile from About.com:
1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive
We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away — but a smile draws them in.
2. Smiling Changes Our Mood
Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There’s a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.
3. Smiling Is Contagious
When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.
4. Smiling Relieves Stress
Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you’ll be better able to take action.
5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System
Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.
6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure
When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?
7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin
Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.
8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger
The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don’t go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day — you’ll look younger and feel better.
9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful
Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.
10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive
Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It’s hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that “Life is Good!” Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling.