It Doesn’t Cost a Thing to Smile!
There’s hope
It doesn’t cost a thing to smile
You don’t have to pay to laugh
You better thank God for that
– lyrics from the song There’s Hope by India Arie Give it a listen!
Studies have shown that just the act of smiling (making the physical facial shapes and movements), whether the result of real joy or an act, can have both short and long-term benefits on people’s health and well-being.
Neurotransmitters called endorphins are released when you smile. These are triggered by the movements of the muscles in your face, which is interpreted by your brain, which in turn releases these chemicals. Endorphins are responsible for making us feel happy, and they also help lower stress levels.
There are so many benefits to smiling and it doesn’t cost a thing! I’m grateful for that!
Medical benefits:
Did you know that smiling more often—regardless of your mood—can improve your health and help you live longer?
Improved Mood – making yourself smile when you’re feeling down helps improve your mood and increases positive thoughts.
Lower Blood Pressure – laughter ,often starting with a smile, causes an initial increase in heart rate, followed by a period of muscle relaxation and a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, which helps reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
Longer Life – A study from London University College stated that happy, cheerful people are 35% more likely to live longer.
Social Benefits:
Makes you more attractive: A genuine smile can make you seem more likable attractive, intelligent and even trustworthy. We are naturally drawn to people who smile, use this as your secret weapon to engage with the people you meet!
- Tip: At a networking event years ago, one of the speakers said to pin a note to your underwear before walking into an event, then the entire time you were there you could think about the note (something like I’m amazing!) and it would give you that little air of intrigue and make you smile – like you had a secret.
Smiling is Contagious: Smiling not only has the power to elevate your mood, but it can also change the moods of others.
Smiling makes you seem successful: Studies have shown that people who smile regularly appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and are more likely to be approached. Try putting on a smile at meetings and business appointments. You might find that people react to you differently.
Sharing a smile can be a life changing event, it’s a simple form of human connection that doesn’t cost a thing! I encourage you to smile at people like you have a secret you want to share with them!
Having a good time? Don’t forget to tell your face!
What are you doing to schedule in some FUN and Gratitude in your business next week?
I’m grateful for amazing clients! This week I am in Toronto with my client Michele Ashby for the conclusion of one of her 8 week ACE Board Training for Women training classes. I am grateful I get to travel, meet and support incredible women with my client. As I mentioned last week, I love entrepreneurship and the fact that the idea for this very training came out of a discussion at one of our Peer Advisory Boards two years ago, makes me so happy – I’ve got a huge SMILE on my face!