People have been smiling since the dawn of time, and it is a form of communication understood in cultures all around the world. It is a friendly greeting. An expression of joy or warmth. An emotional response that lets people know you are happy or having fun. A smile can go a long way: physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
A smile acknowledges other people, includes them in your sincere emotion, especially when you look directly at them and smile. A smile can signal kindness and respect for others, and affirming people with a smile can make our busy, impersonal world a friendlier and more welcoming place.
Smile and the world smiles with you is not just something your mother says when you are feeling crabby! Biochemically, smiling activates the release of neuropeptides that work to fight off stress. Dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin are “feel good” neurotransmitters that are released when muscles act in concert to cause a smile to spread over your face. The act of smiling can decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. The endorphins released act as a natural pain reliever and the serotonin released becomes an antidepressant and mood lifter… all this brought on by the simple act of SMILING!
Studies have shown that smiling is contagious. When you smile, you boost your mood and calm your nervous system. You also appear more confident and more at ease. Smiling definitely makes a person more attractive to others.
As Zen Buddhist monk and teacher Thich Nhat Hanh says, “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”
– Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts, acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist. “The articles that I write are to educate and provide a further understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine can aid in the treatment of a variety of health conditions and work well in complimenting other medical approaches.”