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Smiling is one of the most natural and instinctive expressions that we display as human beings.
We smile when we're happy, when we're nervous when we're embarrassed, and even when we're trying to hide our emotions. But did you know that there is actually a lot more to a smile than just the physical act of turning up the corners of our mouths?
Here we'll explore 8 psychological facts about smiling that you might not have known.
01. Smiling is contagious
Smiling is contagious. But just how contagious is it? A study conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that when people see a happy face, the activity in the area of the brain associated with facial mimicry increases.
This means that we are more likely to mirror the emotions of the person we are interacting with, and if that person is smiling, we are more likely to smile too. So the next time you're in a bad mood, try surrounding yourself with people who are smiling and see if it improves your mood.
02. Smiling can reduce stress
When we're feeling stressed or anxious, our bodies produce a hormone called cortisol, which we all know by now can have a negative impact on our health and well-being over time. However, research has shown that smiling can help to reduce the levels of cortisol in our bodies, leading to a decrease in stress and anxiety.
In addition, smiling can also increase the levels of endorphins and other feel-good chemicals in our bodies, which can help to improve our mood and reduce feelings of pain.
03. Smiling can improve relationships
When we smile, we send a positive message to the people around us. Smiling can make us seem more approachable, friendly, and trustworthy, which can help to improve our relationships with others. In fact, studies have shown that people who smile more often tend to have more successful social interactions and are more likely to be perceived as likeable and attractive.
So, if you're looking to improve your relationships, try smiling more often!
04. Smiling can boost creativity
If you're struggling to come up with a creative idea, try smiling! Research has shown that smiling can increase the flow of oxygen to our brains, which can help to boost our creativity and problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, smiling can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, which can often be a barrier to creative thinking. So the next time you're feeling stuck, try and get yourself in a situation where you know you'll end up smiling and see if it helps to get your creative juices flowing.
05. Smiling can make us more resilient
Life is full of ups and downs, and sometimes it can be hard to bounce back from a difficult experience. However, numerous research has shown that smiling can help to increase our resilience and help us to cope better with challenging situations.
When we smile, we're sending a positive message to ourselves and others, which can help to boost our confidence and give us the strength we need to overcome adversity. What's more, as smiling can help improve our overall mood and reduce feelings of anxiety, it can make it easier to deal with difficult situations.
06. Smiling can make us feel happier
As mentioned earlier, smiling can actually make us feel happier. When we smile, our brains release a cocktail of feel-good chemicals, including dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, which can help to boost our mood and increase feelings of happiness and well-being.
07. Smiling can help make us more successful
People who smile more often tend to be more successful in life. This is because smiling can help to improve our relationships with others, boost our confidence and make us more approachable.
Research has shown that people who smile more often are more likely to be promoted at work, have better job satisfaction, and earn more money than their less-smiley counterparts. So if you want to be more successful in life, try smiling more often and see if it helps.
08. Smiling can have physical health benefits
Finally, smiling can also have a range of physical health benefits. When we smile, the cocktail of hormones and neurotransmitters our body releases, including dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, can help us reduce pain, boost our immune system, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Moreover, smiling can also help to reduce inflammation in the body, which has been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.
In conclusion, there's a lot more to a smile than just turning up the corners of our mouths. Smiling is a powerful tool with a wide range of psychological and physical benefits. It can help to reduce stress, boost creativity, improve relationships, make us more resilient, and even make us more successful.
So the next time you're feeling down or overwhelmed, try smiling for a few minutes and see if it helps. Who knows, it might just change your day for the better and not forgetting the positive impact it'll have on the people around you.