“Oh, when you’re smiling

When you’re smiling

The whole world

Smiles with you, ba, be, ba, bo”

• Written by: Joe Goodwin, Larry Shay, Mark Fisher

At this time of year, we can be filled with powerful emotions. Looking forward (or not looking forward) to the holidays with family from near and far. Reviewing end of year achievements (or the lack thereof), and wondering if we accomplished enough, code for are we good enough?  And yet, we have one simple way to make the day so easily brighter. It’s a trick to lift your spirits and to express gratitude for those around you and in turn, has the power to transform. A Simple Smile.

The sheer physical act of making a smile on our face actually makes you feel better.  It impacts not only the smiler (the giver) but the receiver (the smilee?) AND those who see you smiling (the observer).  

Grateful actions like smiling can help spark your thankfulness. Plus, smiling has been proven to reduce stress and improve health. Smiling not only can elevate your mood, but it can also change the moods of others for the better. Plus, amazingly, research suggests that smiles are actually contagious. Apparently, our brains notice and interpret other people’s facial expressions—and sometimes, even mimic them. So when we see someone smile, we find ourselves smiling too.  

The actual physical act of smiling triggers pathways in our brain that impact our emotional state— so that by putting on a happy face, whether you’re truly feeling “happy” or not, you can your trick your mind into a feeling of happiness.   It’s a form of mood-altering if you will.

Moreover, smiling can reduce stress.  Even if you don’t feel like smiling or even if you fake it with a smile that isn’t genuine. When you are stressed, try putting a smile on your face. It may help improve your mood and reduce the stress you are experiencing.

So, try on a smile and lift the spirits of all those around you (including yourself)